Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Terms and Definitions
Ian C. Langtree - Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2024/10/05 - Updated: 2024/10/06
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: LGBT and Disability (Publications Database)
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item
Synopsis: The terms listed in this glossary are designed to help you better understand discussions of gender and sexuality.
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 | |
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Terminology for Agender | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who does not relate to any gender identity. |
Flag: | Agender Pride Flag |
Terminology for Agender Person | |
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Definitions: | A person who does not relate to any gender identity. |
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Terminology for All-gender Washroom | |
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Definitions: | A washroom that can be used by a person of any gender. |
Terminology for Ally | |
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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. |
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Flag: | The Straight Ally Pride Flag |
Terminology for Ambisexual | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who has an ambivalent or changing sexual orientation. |
Terminology for Ambisexuality | |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who has an ambivalent or changing sexual orientation. |
Terminology for Ambisexual Person | |
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Definitions: | A person who has an ambivalent or changing sexual orientation. |
Terminology for Androgynous | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person whose sex cannot easily be determined by gender expression. |
Terminology for Androgynous Person | |
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Definitions: | A person whose sex cannot easily be determined by gender expression. |
Terminology for Androgyny | |
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Definitions: | The state of a person whose sex cannot easily be determined by gender expression. |
Terminology for Asexual | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who feels very little or no sexual desire. |
Terminology for Asexuality | |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who feels very little or no sexual desire. |
Terminology for Asexual Person | |
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Definitions: | A person who feels very little or no sexual desire. |
B | |
Terminology For Be in The Closet | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who identifies as having two genders. |
Terminology for Bigender Person | |
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Definitions: | A person who identifies as having two genders. |
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Terminology for Biological Sex | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards bisexuals and bisexuality, as well as the prejudices against them. |
Terminology for Biphobic | |
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Terminology for Biphobic Person | |
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Terminology for Bisexual | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex and people of a different sex. |
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Terminology for Bisexuality | |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex and people of a different sex. |
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Terminology for Bisexual Person | |
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Definitions: | A person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex and people of a different sex. |
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C | |
Terminology for Cisgender | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. |
Notes: | The opposite of trans. |
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Terminology for Cisgender Person | |
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Definitions: | A person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. |
Notes: | The opposite of trans person. |
Terminology for Cisnormative | |
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Terminology for Cisnormativity | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Cissexism | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | The state of alignment between a person's gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. |
Terminology for Come Out | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Notes: | The opposite of come out. |
Terminology for Concealment | |
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Notes: | The opposite of coming out. |
Terminology for Cross-dresser | |
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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 | |
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D | |
Terminology for Deadname | |
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Notes: | A deadname generally refers to the birth name of a transgender person that they no longer use. |
Terminology for Deadname | |
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Notes: | Generally, to deadname means to use the birth name of a transgender person that they no longer use. |
Terminology for Demiboy | |
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Definitions: | A person whose gender identity is partially man and partially another gender. |
Terminology for Demigender | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person whose gender identity is partially associated with a specific gender. |
Terminology for Demigirl | |
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Definitions: | A person whose gender identity is partially woman and partially another gender. |
Terminology for Demisexual | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who feels sexual attraction only once a strong emotional bond is formed. |
Terminology for Demisexuality | |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who feels sexual attraction only once a strong emotional bond is formed. |
Terminology for Demisexual Person | |
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Definitions: | A person who feels sexual attraction only once a strong emotional bond is formed. |
Terminology for Detransition | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a non-binary person who is attracted to non-binary people. |
Terminology for Drag King | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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. |
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F | |
Terminology for Female Same-sex Parenting | |
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G | |
Terminology for Gay | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | A family in which the parents are of the same sex. |
Terminology for Gay father Family | |
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Definitions: | A family in which the parents are men. |
Terminology for Gay Parenting | |
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Terminology for Gender | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Terminology for Gender Affirming Surgery | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Balance | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
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Terminology for Gender Balance | |
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Terminology for Gender-based Analysis | |
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Terminology for Gender-based Analysis Plus | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | The act of blurring the boundaries between genders. |
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Terminology for Gender Binarism | |
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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 | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Terminology for Gender-blind | |
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Definitions: | That does not make a distinction between genders. |
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Terminology for Gender-blind | |
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Definitions: | That does not make a distinction between men and women. |
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Terminology for Gender Conforming | |
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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: |
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Terminology for Gender Differences | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
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Terminology for Gender Differences | |
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Terminology for Gender-diverse People | |
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Terminology for Gender Diversity | |
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Terminology for Gender Dysphoria | |
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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 | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Equality | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Equality | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Equity | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Equity | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Expression | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Fluid | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person whose gender identity or expression changes or shifts along the gender spectrum. |
Terminology for Gender Identity | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender-inclusive Pronoun | |
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Definitions: | A personal pronoun that refers to a person without associating a gender to them. |
Terminology for Gender Issues | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
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Terminology for Gender Issues | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
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Terminology for Gender Minority | |
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Terminology for Gender Neutrality | |
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Terminology for Gender-nonconforming | |
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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: |
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Terminology for Gender-nonconforming Person | |
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Definitions: | In a given society, a person who deviates from what is culturally associated with their sex assigned at birth. |
Terminology for Gender Norm | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Definitions: | The socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes considered appropriate for each gender. |
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Terminology for Gender Parity | |
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Definitions: | The equal contribution of men and women to every dimension of life, whether private or public. |
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Terminology for Genderqueer | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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. |
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Terminology for Gender Role | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Definitions: | In a given society, the behaviours traditionally associated with being a man or a woman. |
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Terminology for Gender Spectrum | |
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Terminology for Greysexual | |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who rarely feels sexual attraction. |
Terminology for Greysexuality | |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who rarely feels sexual attraction. |
Terminology for Greysexual Person | |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who rarely feels sexual attraction. |
H | |
Terminology for Heteroflexibility | |
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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: |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Terminology for Heteronormativity | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Heterosexism | |
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Definitions: | The discrimination against and the prejudices about people whose sexual orientation differs from heterosexuality. |
Terminology for Heterosexual | |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of a different sex. |
Terminology for Heterosexual Family | |
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Definitions: | A family in which the parents are of different sexes. |
Terminology for Heterosexuality | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of a different sex. |
Terminology for Heterosexual Person | |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who is sexually attracted to people of a different sex. |
Terminology for Homoflexibility | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Definitions: | A cultural or social framework that transposes heteronormative standards to gender and sexual minorities. |
Terminology for Homophobia | |
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Definitions: | The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards homosexuals and homosexuality, as well as prejudices against them. |
Terminology for Homophobic | |
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Terminology for Homophobic Person | |
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Terminology for Homosexuality | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of their sex. |
I | |
Terminology for Inclusion | |
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Terminology for Intersex | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Intersex | |
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Notes: | A term that describes an intersex person who views their body positively and non-pathologically. |
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Terminology for Intersex Person | |
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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. |
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Terminology for Intersex Person | |
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Notes: | A term that refers to an intersex person who views their body positively and non-pathologically. |
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Terminology for intersexuality | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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 | |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A woman who is sexually attracted to women. |
Terminology for Lesbian | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a woman who is sexually attracted to women. |
Terminology for Lesbian family | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A family in which the parents are women. |
Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Examples: |
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Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Notes: | The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning." |
Examples: |
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Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Others | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Notes: | The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning." |
Examples: |
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Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and Two-spirit | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Notes: | The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning." |
Examples: |
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Terminology for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Others | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Notes: | The letter "Q" sometimes stands for "questioning." |
Examples: |
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Terminology for Lesbianism | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | The state of a woman who is sexually attracted to women. |
M | |
Terminology for Male Same-sex Parenting | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Terminology for Misgender | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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: |
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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: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Monosexual | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of only one sex. |
Terminology for Monosexuality | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who is sexually attracted to people of only one sex. |
Terminology for Multigender | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who identifies as having more than one gender. |
Related Concepts: |
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Terminology for Multigender Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who identifies as having more than one gender. |
Related Concepts: |
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N | |
Terminology for Non-binary | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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O | |
Terminology for Out | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Definitions: | Expose a person's sexual orientation or gender identity without permission. |
Notes: | N/A |
Terminology for Outing | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who identifies as having all the genders culturally available to them. |
Related Concepts: |
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Terminology for Pangender Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who identifies as having all the genders culturally available to them. |
Related Concepts: |
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Terminology for Pansexual | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Pansexuality | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Pansexual Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Perceived Gender Identity | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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: |
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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: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who is sexually attracted to people of several genders. |
Related Concepts: |
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Terminology for Polysexuality | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | The state of a person who is sexually attracted to people of several genders. |
Related Concepts: |
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Terminology for Polysexual Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who is sexually attracted to people of several genders. |
Related Concepts: |
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Terminology for Preferred Gender Pronoun | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Terminology for Questioning | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who is uncertain of their own gender identity or sexual orientation. |
S | |
Terminology for Self-identification | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | The way a person chooses to describe their gender identity or sexual orientation. |
Terminology for Self-identified | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Terminology for Sex Assigned at Birth | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Sexual Diversity | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Notes: | Sexual diversity includes sexual attraction, behaviour, identity and orientation. |
Terminology for Sexual Minority | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Terminology for Sexual Orientation | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Notes: | Sexual orientation includes, for example, asexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality, homosexuality and pansexuality. |
Terminology for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | |
Preferred Designation: |
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T | |
Terminology for Trans | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Notes: | This generic term refers to transgender people, transsexual people and gender-diverse people. The opposite of cisgender. |
Terminology for Transgender | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person whose gender does not align with their gender assigned at birth. |
Examples: |
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Terminology for Transgender Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person whose gender does not align with their gender assigned at birth. |
Terminology for Transition | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Transness | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Terminology for Transparental Family | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A family in which at least one parent is a transgender person. |
Terminology for Trans Parenting | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: | N/A |
Terminology for Trans Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Notes: | This generic term includes transgender people, transsexual people and gender-diverse people. The opposite of cisgender person. |
Terminology for Transphobia | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Definitions: | The fear or hatred of, or hostility towards trans people and transness, as well as prejudices against them. |
Terminology for Transphobic | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Terminology for Transphobic Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Terminology for Transsexual | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | Referring to a person who identifies as having three genders. |
Terminology for Trigender Person | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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Definitions: | A person who identifies as having three genders. |
Terminology for Two-spirit | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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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: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Notes: | For example, make a place, an establishment or an occupation accessible to people of all genders. |
Terminology for Ungendered | |
Preferred Designation: |
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Other Designations: |
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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: |
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Terminology for Ungendering | |
Preferred Designation: |
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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 ourĀ list of gender identities and the terms people use when identifying themselves and talking about gender identity.
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2 - How Many Gender Identities Exist? Updated 2024 List - 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 November 6, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/sexuality/lgbt/gender-identities.php
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