SROGIESC+

Text by Shannon Novak.

I developed the SROGIESC+ acronym in 2021, an acronym that built on an existing acronym, and was part of my ongoing research into queer terminology.

Definition

SROGIESC+ is an umbrella term and acronym that stands for Sexual Orientation, Romantic Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics. The plus symbol refers to other dimensions of self that relate to SROGIESC.

Other umbrella terms used include (but are not limited to): LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex) and shorter/longer versions of this, SGM (Sexual and Gender Minorities), rainbow, and queer. All umbrella terms have a place and may be used.

Origins

In 2006, The Yogyakarta Principles were developed which set out international principles around sexual orientation and gender identity. This grew popularity of the acronym SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity). In 2017, a supplement to the principles titled The Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 (YP+10) were developed, and extended beyond sexual orientation and gender identity to include gender expression and sex characteristics. This led to the acronym SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics).

In 2021, I added romantic orientation and the plus symbol to create SROGIESC+. Romantic orientation can be defined as the sex and/or gender you have romantic relationships with which differs from sexual orientation or the sex and/or gender you have sexual relationships with. Romantic orientation and sexual orientation may be aligned, or completely different. For example, a man may be sexually attracted to all people but only romantically attracted to women.

The plus symbol acknowledges other dimensions of self that relate to SROGIESC. These could be dimensions similarly named to the dimensions in the SROGIESC acronym, for example, sexual identity. They could also be similar and/or related dimensions that use non-English words, and may or may not be interchangeable/direct translations, for example, Takatāpui, Baklâ, and Māhū.

Questions

If you have any questions about the SROGIESC+ acronym, please email me direct.