Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Terms and Definitions

Topic: LGBT and Disability
- Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2024/10/05 - Updated: 2024/10/06
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics

Synopsis: The terms listed in this glossary are designed to help you better understand discussions of gender and sexuality. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list but instead provides some basic terminology to support an introduction to related topics.

Why it matters: This glossary of gender and sexual diversity terms is a valuable resource for understanding and discussing LGBTQ+ topics. It provides clear definitions for a wide range of identities, orientations, and concepts related to gender and sexuality, empowering readers with accurate language to engage in informed conversations. The glossary is particularly useful for journalists, educators, and anyone seeking to improve their knowledge and sensitivity around LGBTQ+ issues. By offering up-to-date terminology and explanations, it helps combat misinformation and promotes respectful, inclusive communication. The resource acknowledges that language in this field is constantly evolving and that identities are personal and fluid, encouraging users to approach the topic with openness and respect - Disabled World.

Introduction

Language has power and is constantly changing. The terms listed in this glossary are designed to help you better understand discussions of gender and sexuality. Many terms are self-identifications; they mean something different to each person who identifies with the term.

NOTE: The table of definitions listed below is a work in progress and was created to aid people to learn the correct terminology and meanings to use when writing articles regarding LGBTQ+ topics, as well as making related conversations easier. For the most part, terms are based in Western understandings of gender and sexuality so they may not speak to the experiences of those from many cultures. This is not an exhaustive list but instead provides some basic terminology to support an introduction to related topics.

Main Item

A to Z Gender and Sexual Diversity Glossary of Terms
A B C D E F G H I L M N O P Q S T U
A
Terminology for Agender
Preferred Designation:
  • agender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • genderless (adjective)
  • gender-free (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who does not relate to any gender identity.
Flag: Agender Pride Flag
Terminology for Agender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • agender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • agender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who does not relate to any gender identity.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for All-gender Washroom
Preferred Designation:
  • all-gender washroom (noun)
Other Designations:
  • gender-inclusive washroom (noun)
  • gender-neutral washroom (noun)
Definitions: A washroom that can be used by a person of any gender.
Terminology for Ally
Preferred Designation:
  • ally (noun)
Definitions: A person who defends the cause and the rights of a marginalized community to which they do not belong and that is recognized as such by the members of the community in question.
Examples:
  • be an ally
  • become an ally
Flag: The Straight Ally Pride Flag
Terminology for Ambisexual
Preferred Designation:
  • ambisexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who has an ambivalent or changing sexual orientation.
Terminology for Ambisexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • ambisexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who has an ambivalent or changing sexual orientation.
Terminology for Ambisexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • ambisexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • ambisexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who has an ambivalent or changing sexual orientation.
Terminology for Androgynous
Preferred Designation:
  • androgynous (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • androgyne (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose sex cannot easily be determined by gender expression.
Terminology for Androgynous Person
Preferred Designation:
  • androgynous person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • androgyne person (noun)
  • androgyne (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person whose sex cannot easily be determined by gender expression.
Terminology for Androgyny
Preferred Designation:
  • androgyny (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person whose sex cannot easily be determined by gender expression.
Terminology for Asexual
Preferred Designation:
  • asexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who feels very little or no sexual desire.
Terminology for Asexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • asexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who feels very little or no sexual desire.
Terminology for Asexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • asexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • asexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who feels very little or no sexual desire.
B
Terminology For Be in The Closet
Preferred Designation:
  • be in the closet (verb phrase)
Other Designations:
  • be closeted (verb)
Definitions: Conceal one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Notes: This concealment can be passive, voluntary or forced. A person may be in the closet in some situations, but not in others based on their perceived level of safety.
Terminology for Bicurious
Preferred Designation:
  • bicurious (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • bi-curious (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is open to or curious about having sexual relations with a person whose sex differs from that of their usual sexual partners.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Bicuriosity
Preferred Designation:
  • bicuriosity (noun)
Other Designations:
  • bi-curiosity (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is open to or curious about having sexual relations with a person whose sex differs from that of their usual sexual partners.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Bicurious Person
Preferred Designation:
  • bicurious person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • bi-curious person (noun)
  • bicurious (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • bi-curious (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who is open to or curious about having sexual relations with a person whose sex differs from that of their usual sexual partners.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Bigender
Preferred Designation:
  • bigender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • bi-gender (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who identifies as having two genders.
Terminology for Bigender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • bigender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • bi-gender person (noun)
  • bigender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • bi-gender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who identifies as having two genders.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Biological Sex
Preferred Designation:
  • biological sex (noun)
Other Designations:
  • sex (noun)
Definitions: A person's biological status, referred to as male, female or intersex.
Notes: There are a number of indicators of biological sex, including sex chromosomes, internal reproductive organs and external genitalia. The term "biological sex" is sometimes considered pejorative by some trans people.
Terminology for Biphobia
Preferred Designation:
  • biphobia (noun)
Definitions: The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards bisexuals and bisexuality, as well as the prejudices against them.
Terminology for Biphobic
Preferred Designation:
  • biphobic (adjective)
Terminology for Biphobic Person
Preferred Designation:
  • biphobic person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • biphobe (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Terminology for Bisexual
Preferred Designation:
  • bisexual (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • bi (adjective, familiar)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex and people of a different sex.
Related Concepts:
  • pansexual
  • polysexual
Terminology for Bisexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • bisexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex and people of a different sex.
Related Concepts:
  • pansexuality
  • polysexuality
Terminology for Bisexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • bisexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • bi person (noun, familiar)
  • bisexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • bi (avoid, noun, familiar, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex and people of a different sex.
Related Concepts:
  • pansexual person
  • polysexual person
C
Terminology for Cisgender
Preferred Designation:
  • cisgender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • cis (adjective, familiar)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.
Notes: The opposite of trans.
Examples:
  • cisgender man
  • cisgender woman
Terminology for Cisgender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • cisgender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • cis person (noun, familiar)
  • cisgender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • cis (avoid, noun, familiar, pejorative)
Definitions: A person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.
Notes: The opposite of trans person.
Terminology for Cisnormative
Preferred Designation:
  • cisnormative (adjective)
Terminology for Cisnormativity
Preferred Designation:
  • cisnormativity (noun)
Definitions: A cultural or social framework, often implicit, wherein everyone is cisgender and this is the norm.
Notes: Cisnormativity leads to the marginalization of trans people either by dismissing them, by presenting a favourable bias towards cisgender people, or both.
Related Concepts:
  • heteronormativity
  • monosexism
Terminology for Cissexism
Preferred Designation:
  • cissexism (noun)
Other Designations:
  • cisgenderism (noun)
Definitions: The discrimination against and the prejudices about people whose gender identity or expression does not align with their sex assigned at birth.
Terminology for Cissexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • cissexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of alignment between a person's gender identity and their sex assigned at birth.
Terminology for Come Out
Preferred Designation:
  • come out (verb)
Other Designations:
  • disclose (verb)
Definitions: Voluntarily reveal one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Notes: The verb "disclose" is generally used with a complement, for example, "disclose their sexual orientation," whereas "come out" is always used without a complement. The opposite of conceal.
Terminology for Coming Out
Preferred Designation:
  • coming out (noun)
Other Designations:
  • disclosure (noun)
Definitions: The voluntary act of revealing one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Notes: The term "disclosure" is generally used with a complement, for example, "sexual orientation disclosure," whereas "coming out" is always used without a complement. The opposite of concealment.
Terminology for Conceal
Preferred Designation:
  • conceal (verb)
Notes: The opposite of come out.
Terminology for Concealment
Preferred Designation:
  • concealment (noun)
Notes: The opposite of coming out.
Terminology for Cross-dresser
Preferred Designation:
  • cross-dresser (noun)
Other Designations:
  • transvestite (noun, obsolete, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who permanently or occasionally presents a gender expression different from the one associated with their usual gender identity.
Notes: Generally, cross-dressers do not identify as transgender.
Terminology for Cross-dressing
Preferred Designation:
  • cross-dressing (noun)
D
Terminology for Deadname
Preferred Designation:
  • deadname (noun)
Other Designations:
  • dead name (noun)
Notes: A deadname generally refers to the birth name of a transgender person that they no longer use.
Terminology for Deadname
Preferred Designation:
  • deadname (verb)
Other Designations:
  • dead name (verb)
Notes: Generally, to deadname means to use the birth name of a transgender person that they no longer use.
Terminology for Demiboy
Preferred Designation:
  • demiboy (noun)
Other Designations:
  • demi-boy (noun)
  • demiguy (noun)
  • demi-guy (noun)
Definitions: A person whose gender identity is partially man and partially another gender.
Terminology for Demigender
Preferred Designation:
  • demigender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • demi-gender (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose gender identity is partially associated with a specific gender.
Terminology for Demigirl
Preferred Designation:
  • demigirl (noun)
Other Designations:
  • demi-girl (noun)
Definitions: A person whose gender identity is partially woman and partially another gender.
Terminology for Demisexual
Preferred Designation:
  • demisexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who feels sexual attraction only once a strong emotional bond is formed.
Terminology for Demisexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • demisexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who feels sexual attraction only once a strong emotional bond is formed.
Terminology for Demisexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • demisexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • demisexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who feels sexual attraction only once a strong emotional bond is formed.
Terminology for Detransition
Preferred Designation:
  • detransition (noun)
Definitions: The process by which a person having previously undergone a transition makes changes that reflect their gender assigned at birth.
Notes: A detransition may have social, medical or legal aspects. It might be done because of a change in gender identity or not. Some people undergo a detransition because of external factors that may be linked to safety.
Terminology for Diamoric
Preferred Designation:
  • diamoric (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a non-binary person who is attracted to non-binary people.
Terminology for Drag King
Preferred Designation:
  • drag king (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: Typically a woman who temporarily dresses in men's clothing and acts with exaggerated masculinity, generally during a performance.
Notes: As is always the case with cross-dressing, dressing as a drag king is not an indication of the person's sexual orientation, nor of their gender identity.
Terminology for Drag Queen
Preferred Designation:
  • drag queen (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: Typically a man who temporarily dresses in women's clothing and acts with exaggerated femininity, generally during a performance.
Notes: As is always the case with cross-dressing, dressing as a drag queen is neither an indication of the person's sexual orientation, nor of their gender identity.
E
Terminology for Experienced Gender
Preferred Designation:
  • experienced gender (noun)
Other Designations:
  • affirmed gender (noun)
Definitions: The gender with which a person identifies.
Notes: The expression "affirmed gender" is often used to refer to the gender of a person who has transitioned socially to the gender with which they identify.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
F
Terminology for Female Same-sex Parenting
Preferred Designation:
  • female same-sex parenting (noun)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian parenting (noun)
G
Terminology for Gay
Preferred Designation:
  • gay (noun)
Other Designations:
  • homosexual (noun)
Definitions: A person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex.
Notes: In its modern sense, the term "gay" typically refers to men, but in some contexts, it can refer to people of various genders.
Terminology for Gay
Preferred Designation:
  • gay (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • homosexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex.
Notes: In its modern sense, the term "gay" typically refers to men, but in some contexts, it can refer to people of various genders.
Terminology for Gay Family
Preferred Designation:
  • gay family (noun)
Other Designations:
  • same-sex family (noun)
  • homosexual family (noun)
Definitions: A family in which the parents are of the same sex.
Terminology for Gay father Family
Preferred Designation:
  • gay father family (noun)
Definitions: A family in which the parents are men.
Terminology for Gay Parenting
Preferred Designation:
  • gay parenting (noun)
Other Designations:
  • same-sex parenting (noun)
  • homosexual parenting (noun)
Terminology for Gender
Preferred Designation:
  • gender (noun)
Definitions: A person's status in society as a man, woman or non-binary person.
Notes: While sex is understood only in terms of biological features (e.g. sex assigned at birth), conceptions of gender are influenced by several factors including biological features, cultural and behavioural norms and individual experience.
Terminology for Gender
Preferred Designation:
  • gender (noun)
Other Designations:
  • men and women (plural noun phrase)
  • women and men (plural noun phrase)
  • sexes (plural noun)
Notes: The term "gender" can refer to the social differences and relations between men and women that are learned through socialization and determine a person's position and status in a given context.
Terminology for Gender
Preferred Designation:
  • gender (verb)
Terminology for Gender Affirming Surgery
Preferred Designation:
  • gender affirming surgery (noun)
  • GAS (noun)
Other Designations:
  • gender affirmation surgery (noun)
  • gender confirmation surgery (noun)
  • GCS (noun)
  • gender confirming surgery (noun)
  • sex reassignment surgery (noun)
  • SRS (noun)
  • sex change surgery (noun)
Definitions: A surgery to modify a person's sexual anatomical characteristics to better match their gender identity.
Notes: The terms "sex reassignment surgery" and "sex change surgery" are sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Gender and Sexual Diversity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender and sexual diversity (noun phrase)
  • GSD (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Notes: The term "gender and sexual diversity" is considered to be more inclusive than "LGBT" because it does not specify any gender identity or sexual orientation whatsoever.
Terminology for Gender and Sexual Minorities
Preferred Designation:
  • gender and sexual minorities (plural noun phrase)
  • GSM (plural noun)
Notes: The term "gender and sexual minorities" includes all people whose gender identity or sexual orientation differ from the majority of the surrounding society. The term is considered to be more inclusive than "LGBT" because it does not specify any gender identity or sexual orientation whatsoever.
Terminology for Gender Assigned at Birth
Preferred Designation:
  • gender assigned at birth (noun)
  • GAAB (noun)
Other Designations:
  • birth-assigned gender (noun)
  • assigned gender (noun)
Notes: Gender assigned at birth generally refers to the same concept as sex assigned at birth. However, for some people, gender assigned at birth corresponds to a cultural and legal categorization, whereas sex assigned at birth represents a biological categorization.
Related Concepts:
  • sex assigned at birth
Terminology for Gender Balance
Preferred Designation:
  • gender balance (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Balance
Preferred Designation:
  • gender balance (noun)
Other Designations:
  • balance between men and women (noun phrase)
  • balance between women and men (noun phrase)
  • balance between the sexes (noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender-based Analysis
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-based analysis (noun, Canada)
  • GBA (noun, Canada)
Other Designations:
  • gender-differentiated analysis (noun, Quebec)
  • GDA (noun, Quebec)
Terminology for Gender-based Analysis Plus
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-based analysis plus (noun, Canada)
  • GBA+ (noun, Canada)
Definitions: An analytical tool used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and gender-diverse people may experience policies, programs and initiatives.
Notes: The "+" in GBA+ acknowledges that the analysis goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors that intersect to determine individual identity. These factors include race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.
Terminology for Gender Bending
Preferred Designation:
  • gender bending (noun)
Definitions: The act of blurring the boundaries between genders.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Binarism
Preferred Designation:
  • gender binarism (noun)
Other Designations:
  • genderism (noun)
Definitions: The idea that gender is separated into two fixed and closed categories, man and woman, and that it cannot be a variety of identities and expressions.
Terminology for Gender Binarity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender binarity (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Terminology for Gender-blind
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-blind (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • genderblind (adjective)
Definitions: That does not make a distinction between genders.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender-blind
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-blind (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • genderblind (adjective)
Definitions: That does not make a distinction between men and women.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Conforming
Preferred Designation:
  • gender conforming (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • gender normative (adjective)
Definitions: In a given society, that is consistent with what is culturally associated with a person's sex assigned at birth.
Notes: Usually refers to a person's gender expression, such as behaviour, clothing and voice inflection.
Examples:
  • gender conforming behaviour
  • gender conforming clothing
Terminology for Gender Differences
Preferred Designation:
  • gender differences (plural noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Differences
Preferred Designation:
  • gender differences (plural noun)
Other Designations:
  • differences between men and women (plural noun phrase)
  • differences between women and men (plural noun phrase)
  • differences between the sexes (plural noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender-diverse People
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-diverse people (plural noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Diversity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender diversity (noun)
Other Designations:
  • gender plurality (noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Dysphoria
Preferred Designation:
Definitions: A condition where a person experiences persistent discomfort or distress because of a mismatch between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.
Terminology for Gendered
Preferred Designation:
  • gendered (adjective)
Definitions: That is organized or separated by gender, or that is associated with a gender.
Notes: Refers to a place, an occupation, an object, etc.
Related Concepts:
  • ungendered
Terminology for Gender Equality
Preferred Designation:
  • gender equality (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: The concept that all human beings, regardless of their gender, are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles and prejudices, and that the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of people of all genders are considered, valued and favoured equally.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Equality
Preferred Designation:
  • gender equality (noun)
Other Designations:
  • equality of men and women (noun phrase)
  • equality of women and men (noun phrase)
  • equality between men and women (noun phrase)
  • equality between women and men (noun phrase)
  • equality between the sexes (noun)
  • sexual equality (noun)
Definitions: The concept that both men and women are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles and prejudices, and that the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of men and women are considered, valued and favoured equally.
Notes: Gender equality does not mean that men and women have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities do not depend on the sex they were assigned at birth.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Equity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender equity (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: The fair treatment of people of all genders, according to their respective needs.
Notes: This treatment can be different, but must be equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Equity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender equity (noun)
Other Designations:
  • equity between men and women (noun phrase)
  • equity between women and men (noun phrase)
  • equity between the sexes (noun)
Definitions: The fair treatment of men and women, according to their respective needs.
Notes: This treatment can be different, but must be equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Expression
Preferred Designation:
  • gender expression (noun)
Other Designations:
  • gender presentation (noun)
Definitions: The appearance usually associated with a gender.
Notes: Gender can be expressed, for example, through behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, voice inflections and body language. A person's gender expression is not necessarily associated with their gender identity.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Fluid
Preferred Designation:
  • gender fluid (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • gender-fluid (adjective)
  • genderfluid (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose gender identity or expression changes or shifts along the gender spectrum.
Terminology for Gender Identity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender identity (noun)
Definitions: A person's internal and deeply-felt sense of being man or woman, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.
Notes: A person's gender identity may or may not align with the gender typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is not necessarily visible and is not related to sexual orientation.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender-inclusive Pronoun
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-inclusive pronoun (noun)
Other Designations:
  • gender-neutral pronoun (noun)
Definitions: A personal pronoun that refers to a person without associating a gender to them.
Terminology for Gender Issues
Preferred Designation:
  • gender issues (plural noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Issues
Preferred Designation:
  • gender issues (plural noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Minority
Preferred Designation:
  • gender minority (noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Neutrality
Preferred Designation:
  • gender neutrality (noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender-nonconforming
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-nonconforming (adjective)
Definitions: In a given society, that deviates from what is culturally associated with a person's sex assigned at birth.
Notes: Usually refers to a person's gender expression, such as behaviour, clothing and voice inflection.
Examples:
  • gender-nonconforming behaviour
  • gender-nonconforming clothing
Terminology for Gender-nonconforming Person
Preferred Designation:
  • gender-nonconforming person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • GNC person (noun)
Definitions: In a given society, a person who deviates from what is culturally associated with their sex assigned at birth.
Terminology for Gender Norm
Preferred Designation:
  • gender norm (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: The socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes considered appropriate for each gender.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Parity
Preferred Designation:
  • gender parity (noun)
Other Designations:
  • parity of men and women (noun phrase)
  • parity of women and men (noun phrase)
  • parity between men and women (noun phrase)
  • parity between women and men (noun phrase)
  • parity between the sexes (noun)
Definitions: The equal contribution of men and women to every dimension of life, whether private or public.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Genderqueer
Preferred Designation:
  • genderqueer (adjective)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: Referring to a person who challenges social norms regarding gender with their identity, their gender expression and their sexual practices.
Related Concepts:
  • non-binary
Terminology for Gender Role
Preferred Designation:
  • gender role (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: In a given society, the behaviours traditionally associated with being a man or a woman.
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Gender Spectrum
Preferred Designation:
  • gender spectrum (noun)
Related Concepts:
  • gender
Terminology for Greysexual
Preferred Designation:
  • greysexual (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • grey-sexual (adjective)
  • graysexual (adjective)
  • gray-sexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who rarely feels sexual attraction.
Terminology for Greysexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • greysexuality (noun)
Other Designations:
  • grey-sexuality (noun)
  • graysexuality (noun)
  • gray-sexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who rarely feels sexual attraction.
Terminology for Greysexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • greysexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • grey-sexual person (noun)
  • graysexual person (noun)
  • gray-sexual person (noun)
  • greysexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • grey-sexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • graysexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • gray-sexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who rarely feels sexual attraction.
H
Terminology for Heteroflexibility
Preferred Designation:
  • heteroflexibility (noun)
Definitions: The state of a heterosexual person who may occasionally be sexually attracted to a person of the same sex.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Heteroflexible
Preferred Designation:
  • heteroflexible (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a heterosexual person who may occasionally be sexually attracted to a person of the same sex.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Heteroflexible Person
Preferred Designation:
  • heteroflexible person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • heteroflexible (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A heterosexual person who may occasionally be sexually attracted to a person of the same sex.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Heteronormative
Preferred Designation:
  • heteronormative (adjective)
Other Designations: N/A
Terminology for Heteronormativity
Preferred Designation:
  • heteronormativity (noun)
Definitions: A cultural or social framework, often implicit, wherein all human beings are heterosexual and this is the norm.
Notes: Heteronormativity leads to the marginalization of sexual minorities either by dismissing them, by presenting a favourable bias towards heterosexual people, or both.
Related Concepts:
  • cisnormativity
  • monosexism
Terminology for Heterosexism
Preferred Designation:
  • heterosexism (noun)
Definitions: The discrimination against and the prejudices about people whose sexual orientation differs from heterosexuality.
Terminology for Heterosexual
Preferred Designation:
  • heterosexual (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • hetero (adjective, familiar)
  • straight (adjective, familiar)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of a different sex.
Terminology for Heterosexual Family
Preferred Designation:
  • heterosexual family (noun)
Definitions: A family in which the parents are of different sexes.
Terminology for Heterosexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • heterosexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of a different sex.
Terminology for Heterosexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • heterosexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • heterosexual (noun)
  • hetero person (noun, familiar)
  • straight person (noun, familiar)
  • hetero (noun, familiar)
  • straight (noun, familiar)
Definitions: A person who is sexually attracted to people of a different sex.
Terminology for Homoflexibility
Preferred Designation:
  • homoflexibility (noun)
Definitions: The state of a homosexual person who may occasionally be sexually attracted to a person of the opposite sex.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Homoflexible
Preferred Designation:
  • homoflexible (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a homosexual person who may occasionally be sexually attracted to a person of the opposite sex.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Homoflexible person
Preferred Designation:
  • homoflexible person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • homoflexible (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A homosexual person who may occasionally be sexually attracted to a person of the opposite sex.
Notes: This term is sometimes considered pejorative.
Terminology for Homonormativity
Preferred Designation:
  • homonormativity (noun)
Definitions: A cultural or social framework that transposes heteronormative standards to gender and sexual minorities.
Terminology for Homophobia
Preferred Designation:
  • homophobia (noun)
Definitions: The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards homosexuals and homosexuality, as well as prejudices against them.
Terminology for Homophobic
Preferred Designation:
  • homophobic (adjective)
Terminology for Homophobic Person
Preferred Designation:
  • homophobic person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • homophobe (noun)
Terminology for Homosexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • homosexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex.
I
Terminology for Inclusion
Preferred Designation:
  • inclusion (noun)
Terminology for Intersex
Preferred Designation:
  • intersex (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • inter-sex (adjective)
Notes: A term that describes a person whose primary sexual characteristics at birth do not meet the medical criteria of the male or female sex. The term "intersex" refers to biological sex features. It does not refer to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Related Concepts:
  • intersex
Terminology for Intersex
Preferred Designation:
  • intersex (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • inter-sex (adjective)
Notes: A term that describes an intersex person who views their body positively and non-pathologically.
Related Concepts:
  • intersex
Terminology for Intersex Person
Preferred Designation:
  • intersex person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • inter-sex person (noun)
  • intersex (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • inter-sex (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Notes: A term that refers to a person whose primary sexual characteristics at birth do not meet the medical criteria of the male or female sex. The term "intersex" refers to biological sex features. It does not refer to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Related Concepts:
  • intersex person
Terminology for Intersex Person
Preferred Designation:
  • intersex person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • inter-sex person (noun)
  • intersex (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • inter-sex (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Notes: A term that refers to an intersex person who views their body positively and non-pathologically.
Related Concepts:
  • intersex person
Terminology for intersexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • intersexuality (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: The state of a person whose primary sexual characteristics at birth do not meet the medical criteria of the male or female sex.
Notes: The term "intersexuality" refers to biological sex features. It does not refer to sexual orientation or gender identity.
L
Terminology for Lesbian
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian (noun)
Other Designations:
  • gay (noun)
Definitions: A woman who is sexually attracted to women.
Terminology for Lesbian
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • gay (adjective)
  • homosexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a woman who is sexually attracted to women.
Terminology for Lesbian family
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian family (noun)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian mother family (noun)
Definitions: A family in which the parents are women.
Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (adjective phrase)
  • LGBT (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (adjective phrase)
Examples:
  • LGBT community
Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (adjective phrase)
  • LGBTQ (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (adjective phrase)
Notes: The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning."
Examples:
  • LGBTQ community
Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Others
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others (adjective phrase)
  • LGBTQ+ (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and others (adjective phrase)
Notes: The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning."
Examples:
  • LGBTQ+ community
Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Two-spirit
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit (adjective phrase)
  • LGBTQ2 (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirit (adjective phrase)
Notes: The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning."
Examples:
  • LGBTQ2 community
Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Others
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and others (adjective phrase)
  • LGBTQIA+ (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and others (adjective phrase)
Notes: The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning."
Examples:
  • LGBTQIA+ community
Terminology for Lesbianism
Preferred Designation:
  • lesbianism (noun)
Definitions: The state of a woman who is sexually attracted to women.
M
Terminology for Male Same-sex Parenting
Preferred Designation:
  • male same-sex parenting (noun)
Other Designations:
  • male homosexual parenting (noun)
Terminology for Misgender
Preferred Designation:
  • misgender (verb)
Definitions: Attribute to a person, intentionally or not, a gender that does not correctly reflect their gender identity.
Notes: Examples: include using pronouns, words, agreements or forms of address that do not correctly reflect the gender with which a person identifies.
Terminology for Misgendering
Preferred Designation:
  • misgendering (noun)
Definitions: The act of attributing to a person, intentionally or not, a gender that does not correctly reflect their gender identity.
Notes: Examples: include the use of pronouns, words, agreements or forms of address that do not correctly reflect the gender with which a person identifies.
Terminology for Monosexism
Preferred Designation:
  • monosexism (noun)
Definitions: A cultural or social framework, often implicit, wherein all human beings are sexually attracted to only one sex and this is the norm.
Notes: Monosexism leads to the marginalization of people sexually attracted to people of diverse genders either by dismissing them, by presenting a favourable bias towards monosexual people, or both.
Related Concepts:
  • cisnormativity
  • heteronormativity
Terminology for Monosexual
Preferred Designation:
  • monosexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of only one sex.
Terminology for Monosexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • monosexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of only one sex.
Notes: Monosexuality includes heterosexuality and homosexuality.
Terminology for Monosexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • monosexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • monosexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who is sexually attracted to people of only one sex.
Terminology for Multigender
Preferred Designation:
  • multigender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • multi-gender (adjective)
  • polygender (adjective)
  • poly-gender (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who identifies as having more than one gender.
Related Concepts:
  • pangender
Terminology for Multigender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • multigender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • multi-gender person (noun)
  • polygender person (noun)
  • poly-gender person (noun)
  • multigender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • multi-gender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • polygender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • poly-gender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who identifies as having more than one gender.
Related Concepts:
  • pangender person
N
Terminology for Non-binary
Preferred Designation:
  • non-binary (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • nonbinary (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose gender identity does not align with a binary understanding of gender such as man or woman.
Notes: Non-binary people may redefine gender or decline to define themselves as gendered altogether.
Related Concepts:
  • genderqueer
O
Terminology for Out
Preferred Designation:
  • out (verb)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: Expose a person's sexual orientation or gender identity without permission.
Notes: N/A
Terminology for Outing
Preferred Designation:
  • outing (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: The act of exposing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity without permission.
Notes: N/A
P
Terminology for Pangender
Preferred Designation:
  • pangender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • omnigender (adjective)
  • omni-gender (adjective)
  • maxigender (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who identifies as having all the genders culturally available to them.
Related Concepts:
  • multigender
Terminology for Pangender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • pangender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • omnigender person (noun)
  • omni-gender person (noun)
  • maxigender person (noun)
  • pangender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • omnigender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • omni-gender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • maxigender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who identifies as having all the genders culturally available to them.
Related Concepts:
  • multigender person
Terminology for Pansexual
Preferred Designation:
  • pansexual (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • omnisexual (adjective)
  • omni-sexual (adjective)
  • bisexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to another person regardless of their gender.
Notes: Some people use the term "bisexual" to refer to this concept even though the prefix "bi-" means "two."
Related Concepts:
  • bisexual
  • polysexual
Terminology for Pansexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • pansexuality (noun)
Other Designations:
  • omnisexuality (noun)
  • omni-sexuality (noun)
  • bisexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is sexually attracted to another person regardless of their gender.
Notes: Some people use the term "bisexuality" to refer to this concept even though the prefix "bi-" means "two."
Related Concepts:
  • bisexuality
  • polysexuality
Terminology for Pansexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • pansexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • omnisexual person (noun)
  • omni-sexual person (noun)
  • bisexual person (noun)
  • pansexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • omnisexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • omni-sexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • bisexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who is sexually attracted to another person regardless of their gender.
Notes: Some people use the term "bisexual person" to refer to this concept even though the prefix "bi-" means "two."
Related Concepts:
  • bisexual person
  • polysexual person
Terminology for Perceived Gender Identity
Preferred Designation:
  • perceived gender identity (noun)
Definitions: The assumption of a person's gender without knowing their true gender identity.
Notes: Perceptions about gender identity are often predicated on stereotypes relating to gender expression (e.g. what a transgender man "should" look like).
Terminology for Perceived Sexual Orientation
Preferred Designation:
  • perceived sexual orientation (noun)
Definitions: The assumption of a person's sexual orientation without knowing their true sexual orientation.
Notes: Perceptions about sexual orientation are often predicated on stereotypes relating to gender expression (e.g. what a heterosexual man "should" look like).
Terminology for Polysexual
Preferred Designation:
  • polysexual (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of several genders.
Related Concepts:
  • bisexual
  • pansexual
Terminology for Polysexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • polysexuality (noun)
Definitions: The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of several genders.
Related Concepts:
  • bisexuality
  • pansexuality
Terminology for Polysexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • polysexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • polysexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who is sexually attracted to people of several genders.
Related Concepts:
  • bisexual person
  • pansexual person
Terminology for Preferred Gender Pronoun
Preferred Designation:
  • preferred gender pronoun (noun)
  • PGP (noun)
Other Designations:
  • preferred pronoun (noun)
Definitions: A personal pronoun chosen by a person that matches their gender identity.
Notes: Most gender-diverse people use "pronoun" or "gender pronoun" to refer to this concept as it is a matter of identity rather than preference.
Q
Terminology for Queer
Preferred Designation:
  • queer (adjective)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: Referring to a person whose sexual orientation or gender identity differs from the normative binary vision of gender and sexuality.
Notes: The term "queer" has been reappropriated by gender and sexual minorities in an attempt to transform it from an insult into a symbol of self-determination and freedom. As such, for some people, it has a strong political connotation.
Terminology for Queer Person
Preferred Designation:
  • queer person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • queer (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person whose sexual orientation or gender identity differs from the normative binary vision of gender and sexuality.
Notes: The term "queer" has been reappropriated by gender and sexual minorities in an attempt to transform it from an insult into a symbol of self-determination and freedom. As such, for some people, it has a strong political connotation.
Terminology for Queerphobia
Preferred Designation:
  • queerphobia (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Definitions: The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards people having non-normative sexual identities, gender identities or gender expressions, or the queer community, as well as prejudices against them.
Terminology for Queerphobic
Preferred Designation:
  • queerphobic (adjective)
Other Designations: N/A
Terminology for Questioning
Preferred Designation:
  • questioning (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who is uncertain of their own gender identity or sexual orientation.
S
Terminology for Self-identification
Preferred Designation:
  • self-identification (noun)
Definitions: The way a person chooses to describe their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Terminology for Self-identified
Preferred Designation:
  • self-identified (adjective)
Terminology for Sex Assigned at Birth
Preferred Designation:
  • sex assigned at birth (noun)
  • SAAB (noun)
Other Designations:
  • birth-assigned sex (noun)
  • assigned sex (noun)
Definitions: The sex of a person based on their primary sexual characteristics at birth.
Notes: Sex assigned at birth generally refers to the same concept as gender assigned at birth. However, for some people, gender assigned at birth corresponds to a cultural and legal categorization, whereas sex assigned at birth represents a biological categorization.
Related Concepts:
  • gender assigned at birth
Terminology for Sexual Diversity
Preferred Designation:
  • sexual diversity (noun)
Notes: Sexual diversity includes sexual attraction, behaviour, identity and orientation.
Terminology for Sexual Minority
Preferred Designation:
  • sexual minority (noun)
Terminology for Sexual Orientation
Preferred Designation:
  • sexual orientation (noun)
Notes: Sexual orientation includes, for example, asexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality, homosexuality and pansexuality.
Terminology for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Preferred Designation:
  • sexual orientation and gender identity (noun phrase)
  • SOGI (noun)
T
Terminology for Trans
Preferred Designation:
  • trans (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • transidentified (adjective)
  • trans-identified (adjective)
Notes: This generic term refers to transgender people, transsexual people and gender-diverse people. The opposite of cisgender.
Terminology for Transgender
Preferred Designation:
  • transgender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • trans (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose gender does not align with their gender assigned at birth.
Examples:
  • transgender man
  • transgender woman
Terminology for Transgender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • transgender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • trans person (noun)
  • transperson (noun)
  • transgender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • trans (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person whose gender does not align with their gender assigned at birth.
Terminology for Transition
Preferred Designation:
  • transition (noun)
Definitions: The process by which a person makes changes that reflect their experienced gender.
Notes: Transitioning often includes changing one's physical appearance (clothing, make-up, gait), changing one's first name and making changes to legal documents. It may also sometimes involve one or more medical interventions to alter biology. Transition is not mandatory to self-identify as a transgender person.
Examples:
  • legal transition
  • medical transition
  • social transition
Terminology for Transness
Preferred Designation:
  • transness (noun)
Other Designations:
  • transgenderism (noun)
  • transidentity (noun)
  • trans identity (noun)
Terminology for Transparental Family
Preferred Designation:
  • transparental family (noun)
Other Designations:
  • trans-family (noun)
Definitions: A family in which at least one parent is a transgender person.
Terminology for Trans Parenting
Preferred Designation:
  • trans parenting (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Terminology for Trans Person
Preferred Designation:
  • trans person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • transperson (noun)
  • trans-identified person (noun)
  • transidentified person (noun)
  • trans (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Notes: This generic term includes transgender people, transsexual people and gender-diverse people. The opposite of cisgender person.
Terminology for Transphobia
Preferred Designation:
  • transphobia (noun)
Definitions: The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards trans people and transness, as well as prejudices against them.
Terminology for Transphobic
Preferred Designation:
  • transphobic (adjective)
Terminology for Transphobic Person
Preferred Designation:
  • transphobic person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • transphobe (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Terminology for Transsexual
Preferred Designation:
  • transsexual (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • trans-sexual (adjective)
  • transexual (adjective)
  • trans (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person whose sex does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth and who generally undertakes or wishes to undertake steps to change their sex assigned at birth.
Notes: Some people prefer the terms "transgender" or "trans" because to them, the term "transsexual" feels dated, pejorative and strongly medically connoted. Others have reappropriated the term "transsexual" and use it as a form of positive self-identification.
Terminology for Transsexualism
Preferred Designation:
  • transsexualism (noun)
Other Designations:
  • trans-sexualism (noun)
  • transexualism (noun)
Notes: Some people consider the terms "transsexualism," "trans-sexualism" and "transexualism" pejorative because they are strongly medically connoted. However, some have reappropriated these terms and use them as a form of positive self-identification.
Terminology for Transsexuality
Preferred Designation:
  • transsexuality (noun)
Other Designations:
  • trans-sexuality (noun)
  • transexuality (noun)
Notes: Some people consider the terms "transsexuality," "trans-sexuality" and "transexuality" pejorative because they are strongly medically connoted. However, some have reappropriated these terms and use them as a form of positive self-identification.
Terminology for Transsexual Person
Preferred Designation:
  • transsexual person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • trans-sexual person (noun)
  • transexual person (noun)
  • trans person (noun)
  • transperson (noun)
  • transsexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • trans-sexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • transexual (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • trans (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person whose sex does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth and who generally undertakes or wishes to undertake steps to change their sex assigned at birth.
Notes: The undertaking of a medical transition (e.g. hormone therapy, surgeries or other procedures) used to distinguish a transsexual person from a transgender person. Some people prefer the terms "transgender" or "trans" because to them, the term "transsexual" feels dated, pejorative and strongly medically connoted. Others have reappropriated the term "transsexual" and use it as a form of positive self-identification.
Terminology for Trigender
Preferred Designation:
  • trigender (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • tri-gender (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a person who identifies as having three genders.
Terminology for Trigender Person
Preferred Designation:
  • trigender person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • tri-gender person (noun)
  • trigender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • tri-gender (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A person who identifies as having three genders.
Terminology for Two-spirit
Preferred Designation:
  • two-spirit (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • 2-spirit (adjective)
Definitions: Referring to a North American Indigenous person who embodies both female and male spirits or whose gender identity, sexual orientation or spiritual identity is not limited by the male/female dichotomy.
Notes: This term is used to reflect the complex Indigenous understanding of gender and sexuality and the history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures. Therefore, a person who is not of Indigenous descent should not self-identify as a two-spirit person.
Terminology for Two-spiritedness
Preferred Designation:
  • two-spiritedness (noun)
Other Designations: N/A
Notes: This term is used to reflect the complex Indigenous understanding of gender and sexuality and the history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures.
Terminology for Two-spirit Person
Preferred Designation:
  • two-spirit person (noun)
Other Designations:
  • 2-spirit person (noun)
  • two-spirit (avoid, noun, pejorative)
  • 2-spirit (avoid, noun, pejorative)
Definitions: A North American Indigenous person who embodies both female and male spirits or whose gender identity, sexual orientation or spiritual identity is not limited by the male/female dichotomy.
Notes: This term is used to reflect the complex Indigenous understanding of gender and sexuality and the history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures. Therefore, a person who is not of Indigenous descent should not self-identify as a two-spirit person.
U
Terminology for Ungender
Preferred Designation:
  • ungender (verb)
Notes: For example, make a place, an establishment or an occupation accessible to people of all genders.
Terminology for Ungendered
Preferred Designation:
  • ungendered (adjective)
Other Designations:
  • gender-free (adjective)
  • nongendered (adjective)
  • non-gendered (adjective)
  • gender-neutral (adjective)
Definitions: That is not organized or separated by gender, or that is not associated with a gender.
Notes: Refers to a place, an occupation, an object, etc.
Related Concepts:
  • gendered
Terminology for Ungendering
Preferred Designation:
  • ungendering (noun)

NOTE: The above gender and sexual diversity glossary of terms, designations and definitions was adapted from: https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/publications/diversite-diversity-eng.html

Also see our list of gender identities and the terms people use when identifying themselves and talking about gender identity.

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1 - - The terms listed in this glossary are designed to help you better understand discussions of gender and sexuality.

2 - - Updated 2024 list of gender identities and the terms people use when identifying themselves and talking about gender identity.

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Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2024, October 5 - Last revised: 2024, October 6). Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Terms and Definitions. Disabled World. Retrieved October 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/sexuality/lgbt/gender-identities.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/sexuality/lgbt/gender-identities.php">Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Terms and Definitions</a>: The terms listed in this glossary are designed to help you better understand discussions of gender and sexuality.

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