Same-gender loving - meaning and definition
AlsoSGLSGLsame-sex lovingSGL menSGL women
Definition
A term created within Black communities in the United States for people attracted to the same gender, as an alternative to labels seen as rooted in white-led movements.
At a glance
- A term created within Black communities in the United States.
- Describes people attracted to the same gender.
- Popularised in the 1990s by activist Cleo Manago.
- Offered as an alternative to labels seen as rooted in white-led movements.
- Often shortened to SGL.
In detail
Same-gender loving was popularised in the 1990s by activist Cleo Manago. It offers an identity that centres African American culture and experience, rather than terms such as "gay" or "lesbian" that some felt did not reflect them.
It is used by some people and not others, and is best used for someone who describes themselves that way.
In a sentence
- He identifies as same-gender loving rather than gay because the term reflects his culture.
- The community health project serves SGL men and women in the city.
Where the word comes from
Popularised in the 1990s by activist Cleo Manago as a self-affirming identity for Black people attracted to the same gender, centring African American culture and experience.
Common questions
Can anyone call themselves same-gender loving?
The term was created by and for Black communities in the United States, and it is mostly used there. It is best used about someone who describes themselves that way.