Theory is a prefix or suffix that can be added onto any sort of label/term to describe how one could incorporate it into their identity in theory, but when actually used or seen as part of their identity, one feels uncomfortable. For example, an individual could say they were pronountheory, meaning they might want others to use she/her pronouns for them, but when actually used, they may feel dysphoric or uncomfortable.
History
The term was coined by Remus of the Comfort Collective, aka FANDOM user Iwillregretthisuwu, on October 24, 2021.[1]
Flag
The theory flag was created by FANDOM user Fyresky on November 9, 2021. Red represents dysphoria and the feeling of being uncomfortable when using a term, teal represents wanting to use an identity in theory, and black is a combination of the two feelings.[2]