 |
A
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Ableism |
A form of discrimination or prejudice against human beings who are afflicted with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. UFC |
|
Ageism |
Treating people unfairly because of their age. CDO
A socially constructed way of thinking about older persons based on negative attitudes and stereotypes about aging and a tendency to structure society based on an assumption that everyone is young, thereby failing to respond appropriately to the real needs of older persons. OHRCA&A |
|
Ally |
A person, regardless of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity, who supports and stands up for the human and civil rights of LGBT people. ATA
A person (usually a heterosexual individual) or organization that actively helps another with a specific issue; here, one who openly supports and affirms the rights and dignity of GLBTQ people. CDO
An individual who is supportive of the GLBTQ community. They believe in the dignity and respect of all people, and are willing to stand up in that role. VSB |
|
Androgyny |
Exhibiting the identity and/or appearance of both male and female, as neither male nor female, or as between male and female; exhibiting behaviors of either or both traditional genders; a descriptive term that many in the GLBTQ community find offensive; see also third gender and also Two-Spirit. AY |
B
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Batty Fucker |
Slang for “queer man” that became popularized through homophobic dancehall music and generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
Batty Man/Batty Bwoy |
Slang for “queer man” that became popularized through homophobic dancehall music and generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
BGLTT |
Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Two-Spirited. CTF |
|
Bi |
Slang term for people with a bisexual orientation and who self-identify as bisexual. AY |
|
Binary Gender System |
A system that forces all people into only two categories-either man or woman, boy or girl. In this system men and women are expected to look and behave in a particular ways that are different from one another. SO |
|
Biological Sex |
The biological state of having: 1) female or male genitalia (vulva, labia, clitoris, and vagina for females; penis and testicles for males); 2) female or male chromosomes (XX for females; XY for males); and 3) female or male hormones (estrogen and progesterone for females; testosterone for males); perhaps one in 2,000 babies is born with the biological characteristics of both sexes or of neither sex entirely (see intersex); see also gender and gender identity which are different than biological sex. AY |
|
Biphobia |
Fear or intolerance toward bisexuality, either from straight people or institutions or from within the gay and lesbian community. AY
Treating a person who identifies as bisexual less favourably than someone who identifies as heterosexual, lesbian or gay. This includes saying that a person is only bisexual as they are too ‘cowardly’ to ‘admit’ that they are actually gay or lesbian, or that bisexuality is just a phase. SO |
|
Bisexual/Bisexuality |
A person who is attracted physically and emotionally to both males and females. ATA
Feeling romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to both males and females; a normal sexual orientation of no known cause; see also heterosexuality and homosexuality. AY
An individual (male or female) who is attracted to, and may form sexual and affectionate relationships with both males and females. A bisexual may not be equally attracted to both genders and the degree of attraction may vary over time. GVSD
A person who is attracted to both men and women within a binary gender system. SO |
|
Boogaman |
Slang for “queer man” that generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
Boom Bye Bye inna Batty Bwoy Head |
Slang for “gunshot to a queer man’s head” that became popularized through homophobic dancehall music. Egale Canada |
|
Bugger Man |
Slang for “queer man” that became popularized through homophobic dancehall music and generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
Bullying |
Physically, mentally, and/or emotionally intimidating and/or harming an individual or members of a group; here, intimidating or harming individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity is somehow threatening to the bully. AY
Typically a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. OME |
|
Butch |
Slang term for individuals who exhibit characteristics or behaviors traditionally considered as masculine; sometimes derogatory; also sometimes used by lesbian women or gay men to self-identify with varying notions of gender. AY |
C
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Camp |
Deliberately affected or exaggerated style, sometimes for humorous effect. AY |
|
Chi Chi Gal |
Slang for “queer woman” that generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
Chi Chi Man |
Slang for “queer man” that generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
Cisgender |
A cisgender person is someone whose gender identity (as a "woman" or a "man" in a binary gender system) basically matches up with stereotypical ideas about gender that are attached to a person’s sex. An example of this is a person who identifies as a "man" (gender identity) who is also scientifically designated "male" (sex). A cisgender person can be subjected to transphobia if somebody else perceives that person not to be conforming to stereotypical ideas about gender. Egale Canada
Not transgender, that is, having a gender identity or gender role that society considers appropriate for the sex one was assigned at birth. The prefix cis- is pronounced like “sis.” The opposite of transgendered, someone who is cisgendered has a gender identity that agrees with their societally recognized sex. Many transgender people prefer “cisgender” to “biological,” “genetic,” or “real” male or female because of the implications of those words. Using the term “biological female” or “genetic female” to describe cisgendered individuals excludes transgendered men, who also fit that description. To call a cisgendered woman a “real woman” is exclusive of transwomen, who are considered within their communities to be “real” women, also. UD |
|
Closet/Closeted |
Hiding one’s sexual orientation or gender identity from others in the workplace, at school, at home and/or with friends. ATA
The intentional concealment of an individual’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, often due to fear of discrimination and/or violence; see also in the closet. AY |
|
Coming Out |
1) The process through which LGBT people recognize and acknowledge their non-heterosexual orientation and integrate this understanding into their personal and social lives.
2) The act of disclosing this orientation or identity to others. ATA
From “coming out of the closet,” the process of becoming aware of and open about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. AY |
|
Crossdressers |
Preferred term for people who usually self-identify with their biological sex and gender but who sometimes wear the clothing, jewelry, etc., of the opposite gender to fulfill emotional needs. AY |
D
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Discrimination |
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of an individual or groups of people; here unfair treatment on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. AY
When you are treated less favourably than someone else either because of your real or perceived sexual orientation, your gender, your ethnicity or religion etc. SO |
|
Diversity |
The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society. The dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. OME |
|
Drag Queen/Drag King |
Someone who dresses and acts like the opposite gender for entertainment purposes; usually does not self-identify as transgender. AY |
|
Dyke |
A derogatory word for a lesbian and/or for any woman who projects the role, appearance, attitudes, and/or behaviors that a culture traditionally assigns to males; also reclaimed by some to identify with varying notions of gender. AY |
E
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Equality |
The state of being equal in regard to status, rights, opportunities, and treatment. AY |
|
Equity |
The state of being fair and impartial; here, fairness in opportunities and treatment under the law. AY
A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment of all people. Equity does not mean treating people the same without regard for individual differences. OME |
F
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Faggot |
A derogatory word for a gay male and/or for any man who projects the role, appearance, attitudes, and/or behaviors that a culture traditionally assigns to females; also reclaimed by some men to identify with varying notions of gender. AY |
|
Fairness |
Quality of being fair-minded, impartial, and just. AY |
|
Fassy Hole/Fassie |
Slang for “queer man” or “queer woman” that became popularized through homophobic dancehall music and generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
|
Female-to-Male (FTM) |
A person born or assigned at birth as biologically female, who identifies as a male and who takes the sex, gender, and identity of a male through dress, mannerisms, behavior, hormone therapy, and/or surgery. AY |
|
Feminine |
A term used to describe the socially constructed and culturally specific gender behaviors expected of females; see also masculine. AY |
|
Femme |
A slang term for an individual who projects a traditionally feminine gender role; sometimes, but not always, derogatory; also used by some to self-identify regarding gender. AY |
|
Freaky Man |
Slang for “queer man” that became popularized through homophobic dancehall music and generally only has negative connotations. Egale Canada |
G
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Gay |
Men who feel romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to other men; a term used to proclaim self-acceptance and self-affirmation. AY
A person who is emotionally/romantically and physically attracted to persons of the same sex. Gay usually refers to males, but it is also used to include females. Gay can be used interchangeably with homosexual. Gay is most often the term preferred by the gay and lesbian community when referring to homosexual males. CTF
A person who forms sexual and affectionate relationships with those of the same gender; often used to refer to men only. GVSD
A man who is romantically and sexually attracted to other men. It is sometimes used to refer to the general GLBTQ community, but most often refers to just gay men. VSB |
|
Gay-Bashing (Bashing/Queer-Bashing) |
A physical or verbal attack directed at GLBTQ people, motivated by hatred for their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or sexual behavior. AY |
|
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA, sometimes Queer-Straight Alliance or QSA) |
Formal organization of GLBTQ and straight people in support of the dignity and rights of GLBTQ people, usually in the context of and to create change within educational institutions and environments. AY
Using the acronym “GSA” to represent any student group concerned with LGBTQ matters, and sometimes also serving as a support group for LGBTQ students, allies, and youth with LGBTQ parents or other family members, has become commonplace. Many student groups opt not to use this name, however, because the word “gay” is not as inclusive as they would like. It doesn’t necessarily refer to lesbians and gender identity and gender expression are not explicitly encompassed by the expression. This website is called MyGSA.ca because the term is generally understood to refer to any inclusive school group that pertains to LGBTQ matters. However, this is an important consideration and would make an excellent topic of discussion in the website’s discussion forums, at any GSA meeting, or in your classroom! (From Egale Canada’s Equity and Inclusive Education Resource Kits)
Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) are official student clubs with LGBTQ and heterosexual student membership and typically two teachers who serve as faculty advisors. Students in a school with a GSA know that they have at least one or two adults they can talk to about LGBTQ issues. The purpose of GSAs is to provide a much-needed safe space in which LGBTQ students and allies can work together on making their schools more welcoming of sexual and gender minority students. Such groups also function as safe havens and supports for students with LGBTQ parents. Phase One Report |
|
Gender |
Social and cultural expression of sex; not biological sex. AY
How you feel and experience your gender. It is not defined by your biological or anatomical sex, it can be fluid, i.e. masculine, feminine, androgynous, genderqueer. SO |
|
Gender Conformity |
Acting within the culturally expected gender role for people of one’s biological sex. AY |
|
Gender Dysphoria |
A medical term for unhappiness or discomfort with the gender role assigned by one’s culture to one’s biological sex; a term disliked by many transgender people as implying that there is something wrong with them; may or may not coincide with sexual dysphoria. AY |
|
Gender Expression |
A person’s internal sense or feeling of being male or female. Gender expression relates to how a person presents his or her sense of gender to the larger society. Gender identity and gender expression are often closely linked with the term transgender. “Many transgender people seek support and acceptance from the gay and lesbian community, where gender norms are often more inclusive” (Ryan & Futterman, 1998, p. 48). AY
The ways in which an individual communicates gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice, and/or the emphasis or de-emphasis of bodily characteristics; not an indication of sexual orientation; behaviors and traits used publicly to express gender identity as masculine or feminine or something else; also called gender presentation. AY
Characteristics linked to an individual’s intrinsic sense of self as a man or as a woman, which may not be the same identity as one’s biological sex. CTF
The appearance, mannerisms and/or behaviour used to signify to others the gender that the individual wishes to be perceived as. GVSD |
|
Gender Fluidity |
The belief that social constructions of gender identity and gender roles lie along a spectrum and cannot be limited to two genders; a feeling that one’s gender varies from societal notions of two genders. AY |
|
Gender Identity |
An individual’s innermost sense of self as male or female, as lying somewhere between these two genders, or as lying somewhere outside gender lines altogether. AY
One’s internal and psychological sense of oneself as male or female, or both or neither (regardless of sexual orientation); people who question their gender identity may feel unsure of their gender or believe they are not of the same gender as their physical body. Third Gender is the term sometimes used to describe people who feel other than male or female and Bi-Gender refers to people who feel they are both male and female. Often bi-gender people will spend some time presenting in one gender and some time in the other. Some people choose to present Androgynously in a conscious attempt to question and expand traditional gender roles, even though they do not question their gender identity. GVSD |
|
Gender Neutral |
Anything (such as clothing, styles, activities, or spaces) that a society or culture considers appropriate for anyone, irrespective of gender; anything that carries with it no particular gender associations. AY |
|
Gender Presentation |
The ways in which an individual communicates one’s own gender identity to others, through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice, and/or the emphasis or de-emphasis of bodily characteristics; not an indication of sexual orientation; behaviors and traits used publicly to express one’s gender?as masculine or feminine or something else; also called gender expression. AY |
|
Gender Role |
Culturally or socially determined sets of attitudes and behaviors that are expected of an individual based on her/his biological sex. AY |
|
Gender Stereotype |
The assumption that boys and girls must carry out distinct roles, i.e. all boys play football or all girls are physically weaker than boys. SO |
|
Genderism |
Refers to the assumption that one’s gender identity or gender expression will conform to traditionally held stereotypes associated with one’s biological sex. VSB |
|
Genderqueer (also Gender Queer or Gender-Queer) |
People who reject the normative societal construct of gender and view their own identity as unrelated to such gender constructs. AY |
|
Genetic Sex |
Defined by the 23 rd chromosomal pair, coded XX for female and XY for male, although other chromosomal code sets also exist. AY |
|
GLBTQ |
Standard acronym for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people; variations exist, such as including an I for intersex and a second Q for queer. AY |
|
Gonads |
Glands (ovaries for females and testes for males) that produce gametes. AY |
|
GSA |
See "Gay-Straight Alliance." |
H
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Hatred |
Intense dislike or ill will, sometimes unconscious, often irrational, and occasionally expressed through violence; a self-destructive and corrosive emotion. AY |
|
Heterophobia |
A fear or distrust of heterosexual people and of anything associated with heterosexuality, often based on negative life experiences. AY |
|
Heterosexism |
The assumption that everyone is heterosexual and that this sexual orientation or gender identity is superior. Heterosexism is often expressed in more subtle forms than homophobia and can be characterized by the “denial, denigration, and stigmatization of non-heterosexual identity, behaviour, relationships or community” (Ryan & Futterman, 1998, p. 12). ATA
The assumption that everyone is heterosexual (or should be) and that heterosexuality is the only “normal,” right, and moral way to be and that, therefore, anyone of a different sexual orientation is “abnormal,” wrong, and immoral. AY
The assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual and that heterosexuality is superior. Heterosexism can exist on a personal, interpersonal, institutional or cultural level. CTF
The institutionalized assumption that everyone is or should be heterosexual and that heterosexuality is inherently superior to and preferable to homosexuality or bisexuality; also refers to the institutional and organizational discrimination against non-heterosexuals or behaviours not stereotypically heterosexual (this discrimination is also sometimes referred to as cultural, institutional or societal homophobia). GVSD
A system of beliefs and behaviours based on the assumption that is better than . Heterosexism is very closely related tohomophobia. SO |
|
Heterosexism and Homophobia |
The term heterosexism refers to the assumption that all people are heterosexual and that heterosexuality is superior and more desirable than homosexuality. Homophobia is defined as “the irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals.” Both of these are perpetuated by negative stereotypes and are dangerous to individuals and communities. VSB |
|
Heterosexual/Heterosexuality |
A person who is sexually and emotionally attracted to someone of the opposite sex. Also commonly referred to as “straight.” ATA
Feeling romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to the opposite sex; a normal sexual orientation of no known cause; see also straight, bisexuality and homosexuality. AY
A person who is attracted to a person of the “opposite” gender within a binary gender system. “Straight” is often used to mean heterosexual. SO
Created around the same time as “homosexual” to describe individuals who are sexually attracted to the opposite sex/gender. VSB |
|
Hijra |
An institutionalized third gender role in India, is “neither male or female,” containing elements of both. The are commonly believed by the larger society to be intersexed, impotent men, who undergo emasculation in which all or part of the genitals are removed. They adopt female dress and some other aspects of female behaviour. traditionally earn their living by collecting alms and receiving payment for performances at weddings, births and festivals. HI
A self-identified term used by males who define themselves as “not men/not women” but as a “third gender.” Hijras dress publicly and privately and are a part of a strong social, religious, and cultural community. Ritual castration may be part of the , but not all castrated. Sex with men is common, and like men who have sex with , such men would see themselves as “real men” (see Pathis/Giryas) and not homosexuals. MHI |
|
Homophobia |
Fear and/or hatred of homosexuality in others, often exhibited by prejudice, discrimination, bullying or acts of violence. Ryan & Futterman (1998) also define homophobia as “institutionalized fear, hatred, prejudice, or negative attitudes towards [LGBT persons or] homosexuality that results in invisibility, discrimination, neglect or mistreatment” (p. 12). ATA
Fear or intolerance of GLBT people, a feeling that is not limited to particular cultures or to straight people. AY
The fear, and/or hatred, and/or repulsion of homosexuality in oneself or in others, often exhibited by self-hatred, prejudice, discrimination, bullying or acts of violence. CTF
The irrational fear or hatred of, aversion to, and discrimination against homosexuals or homosexual behaviour. There are many levels and forms of homophobia, including cultural/institutional homophobia, personal homophobia, interpersonal homophobia and internalized homophobia. Many of the problems faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people stem from homophobia and heterosexism. Transphobia is the fear, hatred and intolerance of the transsexuals or transgender people, including anyone judged to not fully fit into their assigned gender. GVSD
Treating lesbians, gay men and bisexuals (or those who are seen as being LGB) less favourably than heterosexuals because of their sexual orientation. SO |
|
Homosexual/Homosexuality |
A person who is sexually and emotionally attracted to someone of the same sex. Because the term is associated historically with a medical model of homosexuality and can have a negative connotation, most people prefer such other terms as lesbian, gay or bisexual. ATA
Feeling romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to members of the same sex; a normal sexual orientation of no known cause; see also bisexuality and heterosexuality as well as gay and lesbian. AY
A person who is attracted to a person of the “same” gender within a binary gender system. SO
A scientific term invented in the 1800’s to refer to individuals who are sexually attracted to their own sex/gender. VSB |
I
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Identity |
What, how and who one perceives oneself to be; a multi-faceted self-concept that evolves throughout life. AY |
|
In the Closet |
The intentional concealment of an individual’s own gender identity or sexual orientation, usually due to fear of discrimination and/or violence; can cause isolation and psychological pain; see also closeted. AY |
|
Inclusive Education |
Education that is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion of all students. Students see themselves reflected in their curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, in which diversity is honoured and all individuals are respected. OME |
|
Intersectionality |
Similarly to the point on
a graph where lines cross being called a point of “intersection,”
the fact that categories of identification—such as age, class, education,
ethnic background, gender expression, gender identity, geographic origin,
physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other
factors—are experienced simultaneously and cannot genuinely be separated
from one another is referred to as “intersectionality.” Often,
people are discriminated against with regard to multiple categories: for
example, a racialized lesbian could be subjected to heterosexism, homophobia,
lesbophobia, misogyny, racism, and transphobia or any other form of
discrimination, such as ableism, ageism, and classism, depending on both how
she identifies and how she is perceived to be. Further, each aspect of
one’s identity can have an impact on other aspects. For example, a
racialized lesbian may be exposed to different forms of sexism and homophobia
from those experienced by a non-racialized lesbian. Egale Canada |
|
Intersex/Intersexual |
A person who is born with anatomy or physiology that does not conform with cultural or societal expectations of a distinctly male or female gender. Historically, the medical community labeled these individuals as hermaphrodites and performed sex reassignment surgery in early infancy. Contemporary perspectives have sought to question and challenge the arbitrary practice of gender reassignment surgery as a form of compulsory identity and/or genital mutilation. ATA
Having some degree of ambiguity in regard to primary sex characteristics (genitalia) or being born with predominantly male or female genitalia that medical professionals deem to be physiologically “incorrect,” usually addressed through medically unnecessary surgery during infancy; a condition that may apply to about one in 2,000 infants; sometimes offensively called “hermaphroditic.” AY
People who were born with a combination of male and female anatomy. Used to be called “hermaphrodite”; some still use this term, though intersex is the word now preferred. GVSD |
|
Intervention |
Action to change a situation for the better; a deliberate, organized effort to improve the circumstances of one or more individuals by altering the environment, policies, and/or circumstances facing or affecting those individuals. AY |
|
Isolation |
The state of being or feeling alone and apart from, or unable to connect with others; a cause of deep emotional distress for any person. AY |
J
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Justice |
Fair, equal, and reasonable treatment without regard to a person’s color, sex, gender, age, health, wealth or poverty, background, race/ethnicity, condition, sexual orientation, or gender identity; fair and equal treatment under the law and in all societal interactions. AY |
K
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Kathoey |
The category of is an elusive one…The term itself is ambiguous, even when used by themselves. In translation it is often rendered as “transvestite,” “transgender” or “transsexual”…With the coming into existence of a masculine gay identity in Thailand, the term is more and more used exclusively for male cross-dressers. However, in this circle it is not a particularly well-liked term that can readily be used in addressing persons. Indeed, can be a threatening term for persons who are trying to pass as females. People whom others label as often prefer to call themselves “a second type of woman” (phu-ying praphet song) or “a transformed goddess” (nang-fa jamlaeng). TT |
|
Kothi/Koti |
Contemporary research on sexualities and genders have clearly shown that the bipolar categories, such as “man” or “woman” or “heterosexual” or “homosexual,” are not useful to describe the range of identities, desires and practices…existing in India…[Kothi/Koti is a]self-identifying label for those males who feminise their behaviours (either to attract “manly” male sexual partners and/or as part of their own gender construction and usually in specific situations and contexts) and who state that they prefer to be sexually penetrated anally and/or orally. have a highly performative quality in social spaces. Self-identified this term for males who are sexually penetrated, even when their performative behaviour is not feminised. This is the primary and most visible framework of MSM behaviours. that they do not have sex with others like themselves, “real men.” However many may be married to women as a family obligation. MHI |
L
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Lesbian |
A female who is attracted physically and emotionally to other females. ATA
A woman who feels romantically, emotionally, and sexually attracted to other women; a descriptive and socially acceptable label that homosexual women often prefer because it offers an identity separate from that of homosexual men; a term originating from Lesbos, an Aegean island and the home of the Greek poet Sappho, a woman who loved women. AY
A female who is emotionally/romantically and physically attracted to other females. Lesbian can be used interchangeably with homosexual and gay when referring to females. Lesbian is usually the term preferred by the gay and lesbian community when referring to gay/homosexual females. CTF
A woman who forms sexual and affectionate relationships with other women; the term originates from the Greek island of Lesbos which was home to Sappho, a poet, a teacher and a woman who loved other women. GVSD
A woman who is romantically and sexually attracted to other women. This term originates with the female poet Sappho who lived in a community comprised predominantly of women on the Isle of Lesbos in ancient Greece. VSB |
|
Lesbophobia |
Negative sentiments harbored towards an individual lesbian or a group of queer identified womyn. It is an irrational fear or hatred of womyn who are physically and/or emotionally drawn to other womyn. AE
Various forms of negativity toward lesbian women as individuals, as a couple or as a social group. Based on the categories of sex or biological gender, sexual orientation, lesbian identity, and gender expression, this negativity encompasses prejudice, discrimination, and abuse in addition to attitudes and feelings ranging from disdain to hostility. As such, lesbophobia is sexism against women that intersects with homophobia and vice-versa. WK |
|
LGBT/GLBT |
Commonly used acronyms that are shorthand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and two-spirited identities. Sexual minority is a synonymous term. ATA |
|
LGBTQ |
This acronym can mean different things to different people, but it is generally understood to stand for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (transgender, transsexual, trans-identified), two-spirited, queer, and questioning” or some variation of this. Although it’s true that many people opt to use different words to describe themselves, saying either LGBT or LGBTQ is widely accepted (even though it is recognized that these expressions are not necessarily all-encompassing). For example, it is also common to include both an “I” for intersex and an “A” for ally. Some people also choose to duplicate all of the letters that can represent more than one word because it has the visual/verbal effect of demonstrating how very many different kinds of sexual orientations and gender identities there actually are. The ones already mentioned here would look like this: LGBTTTTQQIA or LGBTTT2QQIA (where the “2” stands for 2-spirited). The letters can be ordered differently as well, such as alphabetically. Egale Canada
Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer. The Q sometimes stands for questioning. SO |
|
Lifestyle |
The way individuals live their lives, such as an urban or a rural lifestyle, an artistic lifestyle, an entrepreneurial lifestyle, a hedonistic lifestyle; not appropriately used to denote sexual orientation (just as there is no heterosexual lifestyle, there is no homosexual or gay lifestyle either); the phrase “homosexual lifestyle” is often used by anti-gay groups to imply that sexual orientation is a matter of choice rather than of identity. AY |
M
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Mahu |
Mahu is a cross-Polynesian term originally describing transgender women or female-acting males…Mahuwahine is a newly coined term of empowerment among Hawaii’s transgender community signifying male-to-female (MTF) transgender identity in varying, personally chosen forms and coincides with the Hawaiian cultural renaissance. HRBM |
|
Male-to-Female (MTF) |
A person born or assigned at birth as biologically male, who self-identifies as female and who takes the sex, gender, and identity of a female through dress, mannerisms, behaviors, hormone therapy, and/or surgery. AY |
|
Masculine |
A term used to describe the socially constructed and culturally specific gender behaviors expected of males; see also feminine. AY |
|
Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) |
A term used to denote men who engage in sexual behavior with other men; includes men who self-identify as heterosexual as well as those who self-identify as gay and bisexual (please note that in online politics, MSM is an acronym for mainstream media). AY |
|
Misogyny |
The hatred of women. CDO |
O
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Oppression |
Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment, sometimes unconscious, sometimes covert; constant state of denying to others fair and equal treatment and fair and equal opportunities. AY |
|
Out |
Openly acknowledging one’s sexual orientation or gender identity; may be partial (that is, out to some people and in the closet to others). AY |
|
Outed |
When someone else accidentally or deliberately discloses another’s sexual orientation or gender identity, usually without permission. AY |
|
Outing |
The public disclosure of another person’s sexual orientation or gender identity without that person’s permission or knowledge. Such disclosure is very disrespectful and is potentially dangerous to the outed person. ATA |
P
|
Term |
Definition |
|
Pansexual |
A term of choice for people who do not self-identify as bisexual, finding themselves attracted to people across a spectrum of genders. AY |
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Panthi/Girya |
Contemporary research on sexualities and genders have clearly shown that the bipolar categories, such as “man” or “woman” or “heterosexual” or “homosexual,” are not useful to describe the range of identities, desires and practices…existing in India…[Panthi/Girya is a]for any “manly male.” A /girya by definition a man who penetrates, whether it is a woman and/or another male. Panthis/Giryas most likely also be married to women and/or access other females. Their occupations vary across the social class spectrum from rickshaw drivers to businessmen. MHI |
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Passing |
A term for those who successfully assume a gender role and gender expression different than the one to which they were born or assigned at birth; also may refer to closeted gay, lesbian, or bisexual people passing as straight (please note that in some cultures, passing refers to successfully assuming a different racial/ethnic or cultural identity). AY |
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Power |
Having the ability to do something or to act in a particular way; here, the freedom and ability to acknowledge openly one's sexual orientation or gender identity without fear of oppression, discrimination, injustice, violence, or abuse. AY |
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Prejudice |
Bias; an attitude that favors one person or group over another; here, favoring: one sexual orientation and/or gender identity over any other; an attitude that usually leads to discrimination. AY |
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Pride |
National, citywide, and neighborhood local events and programs, usually during the month of June (see Stonewall) in celebration of the ongoing fight for equality for GLBTQ people. AY |
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Primary Sex Characteristics |
Physical characteristics present at birth and that are used by those around an infant to determine its biological sex, including penis and scrotum to identify the infant as male or vulva, vagina, clitoris, and labia to identify the infant as female. AY |
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Privilege |
Special rights, advantages, or immunity granted to, or assumed by, certain groups and considered by them as their right; for example in the United States, privilege accrues mostly to whites, to heterosexual people, and most of all, to white, heterosexual males. AY |
Q
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Term |
Definition |
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Queer |
Historically, a negative term for homosexuality. More recently, the LGBT movement has reclaimed the word to refer to itself. Increasingly, the word queer is popularly used by LGBT youth as a positive way to refer to themselves. ATA
Formerly an exclusively derogatory term for all GLBT people; now proudly used by some as an umbrella term for the entire GLBTQ community; also used by those who see their own gender identity, sexual identity, and/or sexual orientation as not fitting the widely recognized pattern of straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. AY
A broad term used both as an individual label and also signifying a larger socio-political movement created from a general dissatisfaction with a gay and lesbian politic that is thought to be too assimilationist in nature; “queer” defines a strategy, an attitude, a reference to other identities and a new self-understanding. It is a term also used as shorthand for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people. GVSD
A person who does not want to have their sexual orientation reduced to an either/or term such as heterosexual or homosexual. Lots of different people identify as queer (including people who are heterosexual), and many of them think that a binary gender system is too limiting. The term “queer” is often used by and about people who are traditionally seen as lesbian or gay. SO
The term has a history of being a derogatory name for members of the GLBTQ (and Ally) community and those whose sexual orientation is perceived as such. Many people use this word in a positive way to refer to the community; they have reclaimed the term as their own. Not everyone believes this and sensitivity should be used when using or hearing it as there are still many negative connotations with its use. VSB |
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Questioning |
A person who is unsure of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. ATA
Being unsure of one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity; feeling uncomfortable with or unwilling or unable to self-categorize within traditional labels such as gay, straight, male, female, etc. AY
An apt term or self-label sometimes used by those exploring personal and political issues of sexual orientation, sexual and gender identity, and choosing not to identify with any other label; “questioning” may create greater potential to create new options as well. GVSD
People who are in the process of questioning their sexual orientation are often in need of support and understanding during this stage of their identity. They are seeking information and guidance in their self-discovery. VSB |
R
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Term |
Definition |
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Racism |
The belief that people's qualities are influenced by their race and that the members of other races are not as good as the members of your own, or the resulting unfair treatment of members of other races. CDO
Racism is an ideology that either directly or indirectly asserts that one group is inherently superior to others. Racism can be openly displayed in racial jokes and slurs or hate crimes, but can also be more deeply rooted in attitudes, values and stereotypical belief. OHRCR&R |
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Rainbow Flag |
A symbol of the LGBT movement designed in 1978. The rainbow flag is recognized by the International Congress of Flag Makers. ATA |
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Reclaimed Language |
Taking terms or symbols that have had a derogatory connotation and using them in a positive way to name one’s self or one’s experience. For example, LGBT persons often use the words “dyke” and “queer” in a positive and affirming way to refer to themselves. Pink and black inverted triangles that were once used to identify gay and lesbian prisoners in Nazi concentration camps have been reclaimed to serve as an enduring symbol of gay and lesbian pride and as a reminder to the world to speak up against abuses directed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. ATA |
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Respect |
A feeling of regard for the rights, dignity, feelings, wishes, and abilities of others. AY |
S
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Term |
Definition |
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Safe Space |
A place where anyone can relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, age, or physical or mental ability; a place where the rules guard each person’s self-respect and dignity and strongly encourage everyone to respect others. AY |
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Safety |
Freedom from the fear or threat of harm (physical, emotional, or mental) and from danger, risk, or injury. AY |
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Same Gender Loving |
A term created by the African American GLBTQ community and used by some people of color who see “gay” and “lesbian” as terms of the white gay and lesbian community. AY |
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Secondary Sex Characteristics |
Those physical characteristics that are not present at birth and that develop during puberty as a result of hormones released by the gonads and the adrenal gland, including facial and chest hair (males), breasts (females), and pubic hair (everyone). AY |
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Sex & Gender |
A classification based on reproductive physiology and identified in four main ways, including: 1) primary sex characteristics (vulva, labia, clitoris, and vagina for females; penis and scrotum for males); 2) genetic sex or chromosomes (XX for females; XY for males); 3) gonads (ovaries for females; testes for males); and 4) secondary sex characteristics (see above; a continuum with most individuals concentrated near the ends). AY
It is easy to confuse these two concepts and terms; however, they are different. Sex refers to the biological sex of a person. Gender refers to their societal appearance, mannerisms, and roles. VSB |
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Sexism |
Discrimination and unfairness based on biological sex or gender and usually perpetrated against females. AY
Treating a person less favourably because of their sex or gender. SO |
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Sexual Dysphoria |
A medical term for unhappiness or discomfort with the biological sex to which one was born or assigned at birth; describing a disconnect between one’s internal sense of gender identity and one’s outwardly apparent biologic sex; a term disliked by many transgender people as implying that there is something wrong with them; may or may not coincide with gender dysphoria. AY |
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Sexual Exploitation |
Includes the sexual abuse and intimidation of children and youth through the exchange of sexual acts for drugs, food shelter, money and other basics. An example is forcing a child or youth into prostitution or the creation of pornography that includes children or youth. Egale Canada |
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Sexual Minority |
An umbrella term for people whose sexuality is expressed in less common ways; may include people who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, third gender, and so on. AY |
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Sexual Orientation |
A feeling of attraction to others, based on biological sex and gender expression, over which individuals have no choice and different from sexual behavior; romantic, sexual, and emotional attraction to others, categorized by the sex of the person to whom one is attracted?such as: heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex); homosexual (attracted to the same sex); or bisexual (attracted to individuals irrespective of their sex). AY
The emotional/romantic and physical attraction felt by an individual towards members of the same sex, the other sex or either sex. CTF
Refers to a person’s deep-seated feelings of sexual attraction. It includes whom we desire sexually, with whom we want to become intimate, and with whom we want to form some of our strongest emotional relationships. The inclination or capacity to develop these intimate sexual and emotional bonds may be with people of the same gender (lesbian, gay), the other gender (heterosexual) or either gender (bisexual). Many people become aware of these feelings during adolescence or even earlier. Some do not realize or acknowledge their attractions (especially same-sex attractions) until much later in life. Orientation is not the same as behaviour since not everyone acts on his or her attractions. It is also important to note that one’s gender identity is totally independent of one’s sexual orientation; neither facet should be considered predictive of the other. GVSD
Describes who you are physically and sexually attracted to. SO
A personal characteristic that covers the range of human sexuality from gay and lesbian, to bisexual, transgender and heterosexual orientations. VSB |
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Sexual Prejudice |
Discrimination and unfairness based on biological sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity; see also sexism. AY |
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Sexual Reassignment Surgery |
Surgical procedures that modify one’s primary and/or secondary sex characteristics; formerly called a “sex change operation,” a phrase now considered by many to be offensive. AY |
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Sexual Violence |
Includes the use of physical force to engage in a sexual act against a person’s will. Sexual violence does not require the use of force and can include intimidation and pressuring someone to engage in a sexual act. An example of physical force includes punching, choking; shaking; slapping; grabbing, scratching and pushing. Egale Canada |
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Social Justice |
Equal treatment and equality of social and economic opportunity, irrespective of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race/ethnicity, biological sex, national origin, age, or health status; a concept that, “Each person possesses an inviolability, founded on justice, that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override. For this reason, justice denies that the loss of freedom for some is made right by a greater good shared by others” (John Rawls). AY |
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Sodemite |
Slang for “queer woman” that generally only has negative connotations Egale Canada |
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Stereotype |
A generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group. SO |
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Stonewall |
Referring to riots at the Stonewall Bar in New York City on June 27, 1967; often cited as the birth of the modern GLBT civil rights movement. AY |
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Straight |
Slang term for a person with heterosexual orientation. AY
A slang word used to refer to the heterosexual members of our community. VSB |
T
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Term |
Definition |
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Third Gender |
A category for those who do not self-identify as either masculine or feminine and who believe that they belong to an alternative gender. AY |
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Tranny (or Trannie) |
Slang for transgender people; considered offensive by most. AY |
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Trans |
Slang for transgender people. AY |
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Transgender |
A person whose gender identity, outward appearance, expression and/or anatomy do not fit into conventional expectations of male or female. Often used as an umbrella term to represent a wide range of non-conforming gender identities and behaviours. ATA
An umbrella term for all who feel that they are outside the boundaries of biological sex and culturally determined gender expression; may include transsexuals, crossdressers, Two-Spirit people, drag performers, etc, and people who do not identify with their biological sex. AY
A person whose gender identity (feeling of being either male or female) does not match their physical/anatomical sex. Some describe it as being born into the wrong body. CTF
Refers to people who do not identify with the gender roles assigned to them by society based on their biological sex. GVSD
An umbrella term used to refer to people who transcend the traditional concept of gender. Many feel as though they are neither a man nor a woman specifically, and many feel as though their biological sex (male, female, etc.) and their socialized gender (man, woman, etc.) don’t match up. Some opt to change/reassign their sex through hormones and/or surgery and some change their outward appearance, or gender expression, through clothing, hairstyles, mannerisms, etc. VSB |
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Transition |
The period when one is intentionally changing from living as one sex or gender to a different conception of sex or gender; a multi-step, complicated process that may or may not include sexual reassignment surgery and/or hormonal supplements to alter one’s body. AY |
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Transman |
Slang for a female-to-male transsexual person. AY
A person who has been brought up by wider society as female, who sees themselves as male. SO |
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Transperson |
A trans person is anyone who refuses to conform to, or doesn’t fit within, a binary gender system. They may identify as a transman or a transwoman or as something else entirely?such as “genderqueer.” There are many different trans identities, and “trans” does not only refer to people to have had (or want to have) gender reassignment surgery. SO |
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Transphobia |
Unreasoning hatred and suspicion or fear of anyone whose gender identity and gender expression does not conform to society’s expectations for one of her/his biological sex. AY
Treating a person who displays their gender in unconventional ways less favourably than those who may be more conventional. SO |
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Transsexual (or TS) |
A transgendered person who has had treatments to alter the sex of his or her body. Many transsexual people report feeling “trapped in the wrong body” such that their internal feelings and emotions do not match their external biological sex. ATA
An individual who does not self-identify with his/her biological sex; one who identifies physically, psychologically, and emotionally as of a different sex from that one was born or assigned at birth; may choose to alter the body to reconcile gender identity and biological sex or physical appearance; may consider one’s self as non-operative (meaning does not intend to change the primary sex characteristics); pre-operative (meaning takes hormones to change the body’s appearance and may or may not eventually have sexual reassignment surgery); and post-operative (meaning has had sexual reassignment survey). AY
An individual who presents himself/herself and lives in the gender “opposite” to his/her genetic/physical gender at birth. A transsexual is someone who feels psychologically like the other sex and has somehow been trapped in the wrong body. Transsexuals may be heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual in their sexual orientation. Some transsexuals may undergo operations and hormone therapy in order to make their body fit what they feel is their true gender. TS’s are also known as female-to-male, FTM, transmen or male-to-female, MTF, transwomen. GVSD
Used to describe those individuals who use hormone therapy and/or surgery to alter their sex. VSB |
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Transvestite |
Former term, now considered offensive by many, for people who usually self-identify with their biological sex and gender but who sometimes wear the clothing, jewelry, etc., of the opposite gender to fulfill emotional needs; the preferred term is crossdresser. AY
More appropriately referred to as “cross-dressing,” the term transvestite most often refers to males who dress in the clothing of women. The term drag usually refers to dressing in the clothing and styles of another gender for entertainment purposes. VSB |
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Transwoman |
Slang for a male-to-female transsexual person. AY
A person who has been brought up by wider society as male, who sees themselves as female. SO |
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Two-Spirit/Two-Spirited |
Some Aboriginal people identify themselves as two-spirited rather than as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or transsexual. ATA
A term whose definition varies across Native American cultures, but which generally means a person born with one biological sex and fulfilling at least some of the gender roles assigned to both sexes; often considered part male and part female or wholly male and wholly female; often revered as natural peace makers as well as healers and shamans. AY
A member of the Aboriginal community who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. CTF
Two-Spirit is a term used by some indigenous (First Nations) people to describe themselves in a way that is closer to their cultural construct of sex/gender/sexuality than the dominant Western view. Many of the languages of indigenous nations of North America include specific terms for gender and sexual diversity; some indigenous people may use both the general term Two-Spirit and the culturally specific term from their own language to describe themselves. GVSD
Used by some First Nations to describe people in their culture who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. VSB |
U
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Term |
Definition |
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Uzeze (Kitesha) |
In the language of the Upper Congo, effeminate men are called uzeze while among the Mbala they are known as kitesha. A kitesha lives and dresses differently from the other men?he walks and acts like a woman, wears women’s clothing (although not their kerchiefs) and is considered lucky. There are also kitesha women that are similarly androgynous by nature. TSW |
X
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Term |
Definition |
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Xenophobia |
The extreme dislike or fear of foreigners, their customs, their religions, etc. CDO
Xenophobia describes attitudes, prejudices and behaviour that reject, exclude and often vilify persons, based on the perception that they are outsiders or foreigners to the community, society or national identity. IMRDX |
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