Macrolabel

A macrolabel is a broad self-description that can include many different experiences, identities or subgroups. It may serve as an umbrella term for several more specific microlabels, or it may be so well known and widely used that many people have a general idea of what it means. Macrolabels help express belonging without requiring every personal nuance to be explained in detail.

Well-known macrolabels include lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary, intersex, asexual, aromantic and queer. Within such terms, very different lived realities, bodies, relationship forms, gender identities, and romantic or sexual orientations may exist. Some people use only a macrolabel, while others combine it with one or more microlabels to describe their experience more precisely.

Macrolabels are useful for visibility, community, political work and simple communication, but they can never fully represent all individual differences. It is therefore important to take self-descriptions seriously and not to infer bodies, sexuality, roles, preferences or boundaries from a macrolabel. In dating, sexuality and BDSM, concrete agreements, respectful language and consent remain essential.