gleichgeschlechtliche

Gleichgeschlechtliche is a German adjective used to describe things related to the same gender. In contemporary usage it most often appears in contexts concerning same-sex relationships, partnerships or attractions. The term can function as an attributive adjective (eine gleichgeschlechtliche Partnerschaft, eine gleichgeschlechtliche Beziehung) or, less commonly, as a noun in formal or political language.

Etymology and usage: gleichgeschlechtlich combines gleich (same) and Geschlecht (gender/sex). It is generally considered neutral and descriptive, suitable for sociological, legal, or policy contexts. In everyday language, other terms such as homosexuell, schwul, or lesbisch are frequently used to refer to sexual orientation or identity, while gleichgeschlechtlich emphasizes the relationship or structural aspect. The term may appear in phrases like gleichgeschlechtliche Lebensgemeinschaft or gleichgeschlechtliche Ehe.

Legal and social context: In German-speaking regions, recognition of same-sex relationships has evolved, including the introduction of civil partnerships and, in some places, marriage equality. The terminology gleichgeschlechtliche is common in official, statistical, and media language when describing laws, demographics, or social developments related to same-sex couples and communities.

Variations and related terms: Homosexualität is the clinical or historical term for same-sex attraction, whereas gleichgeschlechtlich is a broader descriptive descriptor. Everyday language often uses terms like schwul (for men) and lesbisch (for women) to denote identity or orientation, with gleichgeschlechtlich functioning as a neutral, policy-oriented alternative.

See also: Homosexualität, LGBTQ+, Sexualorientierung.