Navigating the Neptunic Identity and Its Complexities

When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s safe to say we’re not shy about creating new words. Today, we’re setting sail on the S.S. Vocabulary to explore the term “neptunic.” So, strap on your life vests, folks!

What is Neptunic?

The term neptunic is used to describe individuals who are attracted to nonbinary, feminine, and neutral gender identities, essentially everyone but cisgender men and masc-presenting folks. In other words, if you’re a fan of women and nonbinary folks, but men don’t really float your boat, you might identify as neptunic.

Neptunic vs. Bisexual vs. Pansexual vs. Lesbian

It can be easy to confuse neptunic with bisexual, pansexual, or even lesbian. While the terms have lots of overlap, there are some key differences that make them unique.

Bisexuality is defined as an attraction to more than one gender, historically male and female. Pansexuality, on the other hand, is an attraction to all gender identities, regardless of their presentation. Lastly, lesbian refers to a woman whose primary sexual identity is towards other women.

Neptunic, meanwhile, is focused mainly on feminine and nonbinary identities. It’s most often used as an umbrella term for individuals who are attracted to those who identify as femme or genderqueer.

Related:

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The Birth of Neptunic and its Pride Flag

This term started to make waves on Tumblr in 2017, thanks to user socialjusticeichigo who designed and shared their rendition of its pride flag. Since then, neptunic has been catching on more and more. The Neptunic Pride Flag features shades of blue, green, and purple.

Why This Identity Matters

Why do we need the neptunic identity? Well, here are just a few reasons:

• It fills a gap in our language, providing a label for those who love women and nonbinary folks, but aren’t into guys.
• It validates and celebrates diverse attractions.
• It helps individuals better understand their identity and orientation.

In the grand sea of human sexuality, this label is an important one for those who need it.

Real-Life Applications

Neptunic is often used to express attraction or explain one’s sexuality. You might see a post like, “Just realized I’m neptunic. Explains why I’ve always crushed on girls and my enby (nonbinary) friends, but never the guys.”

Outside the LGBTQ+ community, the term is still often as elusive as a mermaid. Neptunic is essentially the opposite of uranic which describes individuals who are attracted to both nonbinary and male genders.

Related:

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Navigating the Challenges

As with any voyage into uncharted waters, there can be challenges. Misunderstandings are common, given the term’s relative obscurity and the complex nature of nonbinary identities. Some people may also question its necessity, arguing that existing terms suffice.

But fear not! The LGBTQ+ community is prepared with a lifeboat full of education and dialogue.

Websites, apps, and platforms like The Trevor Project and GLSEN offer extensive readings about gender identity, sexual orientation, and many other topics.

All Aboard the Identity Express

Understanding and normalizing terms like neptunic is crucial. It fosters inclusivity, aids personal discovery, and enriches our collective understanding of human sexuality. Plus, it adds a sprinkle of diversity to our daily conversations.

By using the term in everyday conversation, it becomes easier to talk about topics that may be considered taboo or uncomfortable in mainstream society. It allows us to break down barriers and start conversations about sexuality that would otherwise be avoided.

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