The term is inclusive of individuals who are lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, aromantic, asexual, or queer.

[5][6][7] The term sapphism has been used since the 1890s,[8] and derives from Sappho, a Greek poet whose verses mainly focused on love between women and her own homosexual passions.

Her poetry, significant in quality, is a rare example of female sexuality separated from reproduction in history.

[12][13] The term sapphic encompasses the experiences of lesbians and bisexual women, for example, among other plurisexual and multiromantic individuals.

[18][19] There are also equivalent terms for relationships between men (Achillean, named in reference of Achilles and Patroclus,[20] or Vincian, referencing sexuality of Leonardo da Vinci),[21] between a man and a woman (duaric), and involving at least one non-binary person (diamoric or enbian).