So you're writing about a species where gender, sex, or sexual orientation are a little more... complicated than for humans?

Here's my terminology guide for sci-fi, fantasy, and non-human gender and sexual orientation.

Biological Sexes:

Female: The gender that lays eggs or produces the egg cell to be fertilized.

Male: The gender that ( Read more... )

When I was in my early teens, my aunt Johnanna came to visit, and we got to talking about the topic of boys.

"I've never had a boyfriend," I said to her. "I don't really want one."

"You know," she replied, "there are other options."

I nodded, awkwardly, and turned away. If I had been more socially savvy, I would have changed the subject. Back then, ( Read more... )