A friend and I refer to the act of transitioning as 'disturbing coupling snakes' as a reference to the Prophet Tiresias from Greek Mythology. Another person I know recently started using the phrase and it literally saved their life.
As the discrimination against transgender individuals worsens, using code words and phrases might be a good way to hide and protect transgender folks. If you use obscure references to greek mythology, then it might be helpful.
So here are some Greek Mythology phrases I have used or seen people use to protect closeted folks:
Disturbing Coupling Snakes (reference to Tiresias) = Transitioning transgender individual
Cup Bearers = gay/lesbian/attracted to the opposite sex
Herma/Hermaphro (short for Hermaphroditus) = Genderfluid. Would also use it for intersex if necessary, but it's never come up. Sometimes Nonbinary, but that depends. Basically anyone who identifies with multiple genders or as inbetween two or more genders.
Playing frisbee/Playing frisbee with the sun (reference to Apollo and Hyacinth) = Gay and doing something dumb/reckless. Particularly in regards to dating and/or being outed.
Sunlight (reference to Apollo) = Bisexual or Pansexual
Moony/Moonbeam/Moonlight (reference to Artemis) = Asexual
Owl (reference to Athena) = Aromantic
Iris (goddess of the rainbow) = LGBTQ+
Iris's = Part of the LGBTQ+ community
SIMILAR CODE WORDS NOT SPECIFIC TO LGBTQ
Medusa/Hair Defended/Powerful Eyes = SA/Rape victim
Statue = Creepy person. Maybe has a history of sexually harassing people. Dangerous. Stay away from them.
Medusa's Statue = They've actually assaulted or r*ped someone and either they got away with it or are a known sex offender.
Medusa's garden = A group of creepy or dangerous people
Call Athena = Get help from someone in authority
Stormclouds (reference to Zeus) = Someone in authority is at fault and cannot be punished.
These are all great for use within the LGBTQ community and friend groups.
I have been informed that Hermaphroditus is used as a slur in some places. Hearing that is sickening and sad. A genderfluid friend picked that phrase since they enjoyed the myth and were excited by the idea of representation outside the gender binary in Greek Mythology.
Please make sure the people you are referencing are comfortable being referred to in this way and clear the code words with them beforehand. My friend group finds this works for us, but make sure what you use works for you.
