LGBTQI+ Terminology

LGBTQ+ Initiatives
University of California, Merced

These are terms commonly used by LGBTQ+ people and their Allies.

Each of these definitions has been carefully researched and closely analyzed from theoretical and
practical perspectives for cultural sensitivity, common usage, and general appropriateness. We have
done our best to represent the most popular uses of the terms listed; however, there may be some
variation in definitions depending on location.

Please note that each person who uses any or all of these terms does so in a unique way (especially
terms that are used in the context of an identity label). If you do not understand the context in which a
person is using one of these terms, it is always appropriate to ask. This is especially recommended
when using terms that we have noted that can have a derogatory connotation.
*******************************************************************************************************************

Ace – See Asexual.

Ability – The quality of having the means or skill to do something. Ability is not permanent, can
fluctuate throughout one’s life, and is another aspect of diversity in our communities. Disabilities do
not necessarily limit people unless society imposes assumptions that do not account for the variation
in people’s abilities.

Ableism – The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses people who are
differently abled, including differences in mental, cognititive, emotional, and/or physical abilities,
through attitudes, actions, or institutional policies.

Abstinent – The act or practice of refraining from indulging a desire, such as sexual intercourse.

Affirmed gender – An individuals’ gender self-identification, rather than the gender that was
assumed based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

Ag / Aggressive – A term used by people of color to describe a masculine lesbian. Also known as
‘stud.’

Ageism – The pervasive system of prejudice and discrimination that marginalizes people based on
their age. This can be perpetuated through stereotypes of youthfulness versus life at an older age
and through oppressive policies that subordinate and exclude older folks. Ageism can impact different
age groups besides older folks, such as children who are stereotyped as being unable to make big
decisions.

Agender – A person without gender. An agender individual’s body does not necessarily correspond
with their lack of gender identity. Often, agender individuals are not concerned with their physical sex,
but some may seek to look androgynous. [Related Terms: neutrois, genderless, gender neutral]

Allistic – An adjective used to describe a person who is not autistic and is often used to emphasize
the privilege of people who are not on the autism spectrum.
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Allosexism – The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses
asexual people built out of the assumption that everyone does and should experience sexual
attraction.

Allosexual – A sexual orientation generally characterized by feeling sexual attraction or a desire for
partnered sexuality.

Ally – 1. Someone who educates themselves, advocates for and supports members of a community
other than their own 2. Someone who confronts heterosexism, anti- LGBTQ biases, heterosexual and
cisgender privilege in themselves and others 3. Has concern for the well-being of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, trans*, intersex, queer, and other similarly identified people 4. Believes that heterosexism,
homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are social justice issues. Allies often reach across differences
to achieve mutual goals.

Allyship – The action of working to end oppression through support of, and as an advocate with and
for, a group other than one’s own.

Androgyne – Person appearing and/or identifying as neither man nor woman. Some androgyne
individuals may present in a gender neutral or androgynous way while others express both masculine
and feminine traits.

Affectional Orientation – The deep-seated direction of one's emotional, intellectual, and social
affinity. It is on a continuum and not a set of absolute categories. Some aspects of affectional
orientation tend to change over time, while other aspects remain relatively consistent. Affectional
orientation can be fluid.

Aromantic – A romantic orientation generally characterized by not feeling romantic attraction or a

desire for romance. Aromantic people can be satisfied by friendship and other non-romantic
relationships. Many aromantic people also identify with a sexual orientation, such as asexual,
bisexual, etc.

Asexual – A broad spectrum of sexual orientations generally characterized by feeling varying

degrees of sexual attraction or a desires for partnered sexuality. Asexuality is distinct from celibacy,
which is the deliberate abstention from sexual activity, despite sexual desire. Some asexual people
do have sex and do experience varying levels of sexual attraction. There are many diverse ways of
being asexual. A person who does not experience sexual attraction can experience other forms of
attraction such as romantic attraction, as physical attraction and emotional attraction are separate
aspects of a person’s identity. These may or may not correlate with each other - for instance, some
people are physically and romantically attracted to women. However, others might be physically
attracted to all genders and only emotionally attracted to men. People who are asexual may call
themselves “ace.”

Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by Trans* individuals, the term illustrates that the individual’s
sex (and subsequently gender in early life) was assigned without involving the person who’s sex was
being assigned. Commonly seen as “Female Assigned At Birth” (FAAB or AFAB) and “Male Assigned
At Birth” (MAAB or AMAB). [Related terms: Birth Sex]

Autism – A neurological variation encompassing a wide range of presentations and experiences.

Common characteristics of autism include repetitive behavior and differences in social interaction,
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interpersonal relationships, and communication. For some people, their gender identity is
significantly tied to their identity as an autistic person.

*For this glossary, we use identity-first language instead of person-first language for describing
autistic people because for some people, their disability is an important part of who they are (this
practice comes from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network). However, we acknowledge that language
and how people describe their identities can vary for each person and change over time.

Autoeroticism – A sexual gratification obtained solely through stimulation by oneself of one's own
body.

BDSM – (Bondage, Discipline/Domination, Submission/Sadism, and Masochism) The terms

‘submission/sadism’ and ‘masochism’ refer to deriving pleasure from inflicting or receiving pain, often
in a sexual context. The terms ‘bondage’ and ‘domination’ refer to a safe exploration of power roles in
both sexual and social context. These practices are often misunderstood as abusive, but when
practiced in a safe, sane, and consensual manner can be a part of healthy sex life. [Related terms:
Kink, Leather]

Bear/Bear Community – 1. A gay or bisexual man who generally has one or more of the following
traits: a hairy chest and body, a beard, wide shoulders, husky build, beefy, more masculine and
cuddly body. The exact definition of what a bear looks like varies from person to person. 2. An
umbrella term that is often defined as more of an attitude and a sense of comfort with natural
masculinity and bodies. A defining quality of a bear is that they do not fit into contemporary gay
culture, or the stereotypical gay image. Cubs, Otters, Bears, Chasers, Ursophiles and Chubs are all
members of the bear community.

Bias – An inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment.

Bicurious – A person who identifies as gay or straight while showing some curiosity for a relationship
or sexual activity with a person of a sex they do not usually engage with. [Related terms:
heteroflexible, homoflexible]

Bigender – A person whose gender identity is a combination of male/man and female/woman. They
may consciously or unconsciously change their gender-role behavior from masculine to feminine, or
vice versa.

Binding – The process of flattening one’s breasts to have a more masculine or flat appearing chest.

Biphobia – The fear of, discrimination against, intolerance of, or hatred of individuals who identify as
bisexual, which is often times related to the current binary standard. This fear may stem from a belief
that bisexual identity is not an authentic Queer identity, a resentment at the bisexual’s heterosexual
privileges. Biphobia can be seen within the LGBTQ community, as well as in general society.

Birth Sex – The sex (female, male or intersex) an individual is assigned at birth by the doctor based
on external genitalia. One’s birth sex is on multiple legal documents such as birth certificate and
drivers license. [Related terms: Assigned at Birth]

Bisexual – An identity of a person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to

males/men and females/women. This attraction does not have to be equally split between genders
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and there may be a preference for one gender over others. This term becomes problematic in
cross-cultural studies.

BlaQ/BlaQueer – Folks of Black/African descent and/or from the African diaspora who recognize
their queerness/LGBTQIA identity as a salient identity attached to their Blackness and vice versa. (T.
Porter)

Body Image – how a person feels, acts, and thinks about their body. Attitudes about our own body
and bodies in general are shaped by our communities, families, cultures, media, and our own
perceptions.

Body Policing – any behavior which (indirectly or directly, intentionally or unintentionally) attempts to
correct or control a person's actions regarding their own physical body, frequently with regards to
gender expression or size. (ASC Queer Theory)

Boi (pronounced boy) – 1. A female-bodied person who expresses or presents themselves in a

culturally/stereotypically masculine, particularly boyish way. 2. One who enjoys being perceived as a
young male and intentionally identifies with being a “boy” rather than a “man.” 3. In the gay male
community, a young gay man. 4. In BDSM, a butch who is a submissive or sexual bottom. 5. In butch-
femme community, a chronologically or behaviorally young butch.

Bottom – A person who is the receiving or penetrated partner during sexual activity.

Bottom Surgery – Surgery on the genitals designed to create a body in harmony with a person’s
preferred gender expression. [Related Terms: Gender Confirming Surgery, Sexual Reassignment
Surgery]

Brown Boi – A masculine of center person of color.

Butch – 1.A person who identifies themselves as masculine, whether it be physically, mentally or
emotionally 2. Sometimes used as a derogatory term for lesbians, but it can also be claimed as an
affirmative identity label.

Choice – When an individual refers to another person’s non-heterosexual identity as a choice. This is
often used by opponents of the LGBT community who think that being LGBT is a choice and,
consequently, think LGBT people should choose to be straight or cisgender.

Cisgender – Someone who feels comfortable with the gender identity and gender expression
expectations assigned to them based on the sex they were assigned at birth. This term was created
to challenge the privileging of such people relative to those who are transgender. Also known as
“cissexual.”

Cisgender Privilege – The set of privileges conferred to people who are believed to be Cisgender.
(Examples: having one’s preferred pronouns used, no harassment in public restrooms, no denial of
expected access to health care, etc.)

Cissexism/Genderism – The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion founded on the belief
that there are, and should be, only two genders and that one’s gender or most aspects of it, are
inevitably tied to assigned sex. This system oppresses people whose gender and/or gender
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expression falls outside of cis-normative constructs. Within cissexism, cisgender people
are the dominant group and trans/ gender non-conforming people are the oppressed group.

Cissexual – People who are not transsexual and who have only ever experienced their subconscious
and physical sexes as being aligned.

Coming Out – 1. The internal process of accepting one’s own sexuality, gender identity, or status as
an intersex person (to “come out” to oneself). 2. The external process of disclosing sexual orientation,
gender identity and/or intersex status to friends, family, co-workers, etc. 3. This can also describe the
process for allies as they share their allyship with friends, family, co-workers, etc due to the
consequences for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. 4. A life-long process for individuals in the
LGBTQ+ community.

Cross-dresser – Individuals who regularly or occasionally wear the clothing socially assigned to a
gender not their own but are usually comfortable with their anatomy and do not wish to change it (i.e.
they are not transsexuals). Cross-dresser is the preferred term for men who enjoy or prefer women's
clothing and social roles. Contrary to popular belief, the overwhelming majority of male cross-
dressers identify as straight and often are married. Very few women call themselves cross-dressers.
Cross-dressing is a form of gender expression, is not necessarily tied to erotic activity, and is not
indicative of sexual orientation. The older term transvestite is considered by many to be offensive.

Culture – A learned set of values, beliefs, customs, norms, and perceptions shared by a group of
people that provide a general design for living and patterns for interpreting life. “Culture is those deep,
common, unstated, learned experiences which members of a given culture share, which they
communicate without knowing, and which form the backdrop against which all other events are
judged.” (E. Hall.)

Cultural Humility – An approach to engagement across differences that acknowledges systems of

oppression and embodies the following key practices: (1) a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and
self-critique, (2) a desire to fix power imbalances where none ought to exist, and (3) aspiring to
develop partnerships with people and groups who advocate for others on a systemic level. (Melanie
Tervalon & Jann Murray-García, 1998)

Dead name – Refers to the name a trans person was given at birth but is no longer using. The term
is intended to stress the inappropriateness of referencing a person’s name given at birth instead of
their chosen name and effectively mis-gendering their identity. Legal name rather than dead name
will be used for purposes of this policy.

Demisexual – A person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong
emotional connection with someone. It's more commonly seen in but by no means confined to
romantic relationships.

Dimensions of gender – Our body, expression, and identity are three distinct, but interrelated
components that comprise a person’s gender. Each of these dimensions can vary greatly across a
range of possibilities. A person’s comfort in their gender is related to the degree to which these three
dimensions feel in harmony.

Disability/(Dis)ability/Dis/ability – A social construct that identifies any restriction or lack of ability to

perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered “typical” for a human being given
environments that are constructed for and by the dominant or “typical” person.
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Discrimination – Prejudice + power. It occurs when members of a more powerful social group
behave unjustly or cruelly to members of a less powerful social group. Discrimination can take many
forms, including both individual acts of hatred or injustice and institutional denials of privileges
normally accorded to other groups. Ongoing discrimination creates a climate of oppression for the
affected group.

Domestic Partner – One who lives with their beloved and/or is at least emotionally and financially
connected in a supportive manner with another. Another word for spouse, lover, significant other, etc.

Down Low – Typically used by men of color to describe men who identify as heterosexual, but who
have sex with men. Many avoid sharing this information even if they have female sexual partners.
[Related terms: Men who sleep with men (MSM)]

Drag – The act of dressing in gendered clothing as part of a performance. Drag may be performed as
a political comment on gender, as parody, or simply as entertainment. Drag performance does not
indicate sexuality, gender identity, or sex identity.

Drag King – A person (often a woman) who appears as a man. Generally in reference to an act or
performance. This has no implications regarding gender identity.

Drag Queen – A person (often a man) who appears as a woman. Generally in reference to an act or
performance. This has no implications regarding gender identity.

DSM-IV – The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American
Psychiatric Association, is the handbook used most often in diagnosing mental disorders in the United
States and other countries. It was published in 1952, 1968, 1980 and 1994. December 15, 1973, the
board of the American Psychiatric Association voted 13-0 to remove homosexuality from its official list
of psychiatric disorders.

Dyke – 1.Sometimes adopted affirmatively by lesbians (not necessarily masculine ones) to refer to
themselves as a symbol of pride to empower lesbian communities. 2. Derogatory term referring to
(often masculine) lesbians.

Ethnicity – A social construct that divides people into smaller social groups based on characteristics
such as shared sense of group membership, values, behavioral patterns, language, political and
economic interests, history and ancestral geographical base.

Fag/Faggot – 1.Derogatory term for a gay or effeminate man. 2. Derogatory term for any individual
who does not match their assigned gender role. 3. Sometimes reclaimed by gay men as a self-
identifier. 4. This term came into use in times of witch burnings. Male homosexuals were thought to
be the assistants of witches, and their bodies were used as fuel for the fires that burned witches.

Family – Colloquial term used to identify other LGBTQQIA community members. For example, an
LGBTQQIA person saying, “that person is family” often means that the person they are referring to is
LGBTQQIA as well.

Family of choice (chosen family) – Persons or group of people an individual sees as significant in
his or her life. It may include none, all, or some members of his or her family of origin. In addition, it
may include individuals such as significant others, domestic partners, friends, and coworkers.
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Family of origin – The family into which a person is born. Family of origin often refers to biological or
adoptive parents, siblings, and extended family.

Femme – An individual of any assigned sex who identifies with femininity as dictated by traditional
gender roles. A femme identity may be intimately connected to assigned sex such as the case of
cisgender female femmes who may be read simply as straight or gender normative. A femme gender
identity may also be constructed independently of assigned sex.

Femmephobia – 1. A woman who refuses to date feminine women because "they just don't look gay
enough." 2. A woman who suffers from an irrational fear, hatred or intolerance of women who wear
dresses and carry handbags, because only straight girls do those things.

Fluidity – A notion or understanding that sexual orientation, sexuality, and gender are dynamic
identities that may change over time as individuals discover more about themselves. Fluidity can be
an identity, such as sexually fluid or gender fluid.

FTM (Female to Male) – Abbreviation for a female-to-male transgender person. This term reflects the
direction of gender transition. Some prefer the term MTM (Male to Male) to underscore the fact that
though they were biologically female, they never gender identity. [Related terms: transgender man,
trans* man]

Gay – 1.Used in some cultural settings to represent someone who is male-identified who seeks to be
emotionally, romantically, erotically, spiritually and/or physically involved with other people who are
male-identified. Not all men who engage in “homosexual behavior” identify as gay, and as such this
label should be used with caution [See: Down Low]. 2. An umbrella term for the LGBTQ+.

Genderfuck – Someone whose gender expression is a political commentary on the conventions of a

gender binary system.

Gender – 1. A socially constructed system of classifications that ascribes qualities of masculinity and
femininity to people. Gender characteristic can change over time and vary between cultures. 2. The
expression and/or presentation of some combination of socially constructed ideas defining masculine
and/or feminine characteristics. 3. Someone’s innate sense of being masculine and/or feminine
regardless of external genitalia. 4. Words that refer to gender include: man, woman, transgender,
masculine, feminine, and gender queer. Gender is often conflated with sex. This is inaccurate
because sex refers to bodies and gender refers to personality characteristics.

Gender Binary – The idea that there are only two genders – man/woman and that a person must be
strictly gendered as either/or. [See also: Identity Sphere]

Gender Conformity – When your gender identity, gender expression, and sex “match” (i.e. fit social
norms). For example, a male who is masculine and identifies as a man.

Gender Affirming/Confirming Surgery – Medical surgeries used to modify one’s body to be more
congruent with one’s gender identity. Also known as ‘Sex Reassignment Surgery,’ especially within
the medical community. In most states, one or multiple surgeries are required to achieve legal
recognition of gender status. [See also: Sex Reassignment Surgery]
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Gender Dysphoria – Discomfort or distress caused by one’s assigned sex and the desire to
change the characteristics that are the source.

Gender Expansive – An umbrella term used for individuals who broaden their own culture’s
commonly held definitions of gender, including expectations for its expression, identities, roles, and/or
other perceived gender norms. Gender expansive individuals include those who identify as
transgender, as well as anyone else whose gender in some way is seen to be broadening the
surrounding society’s notion of gender.

Gender Expression – How one presents oneself and one’s gender to the world via dress,
mannerisms, hairstyle, facial hair etc. This may or may not coincide with or indicate one’s gender
identity. Many utilize gender expression in an attempt to determine the gender/sex of another
individual. However, a person’s gender expression may not always match their gender identity.

Gender Identity – A person’s sense of self as masculine, feminine, both, or neither regardless of
external genitalia. Gender identity does not cause sexual orientation. For example, a masculine
woman is not necessarily a lesbian.

Genderism/Cissexism – Is the belief that there are, and should be, only two genders & that one’s
gender or most aspects of it, are inevitably tied to assigned sex. In a genderist/cissexist construct,
cisgender people are the dominant/agent group and trans/ gender non-conforming people are the
oppressed/target group.

Gender Outlaw – A person who refuses to be defined by conventional definitions of male and
female. (“Gender Outlaw” by Kate Bornstein)

Gender Non-Conforming – A person who either by nature or by choice does not conform to gender-
based expectations of society (e.g. transgender, transsexual, intersex, genderqueer, butch, cross-
dresser,etc.). [See also: Gender Variant]

Gender Normative – A person who by nature or by choice conforms to gender based expectations of
society.

Gender Oppression – The societal, institutional, and individual beliefs and practices that privilege
Cisgender and subordinate and disparage transgender or gender non conforming people.

Gender Pronouns – The following pronouns offer alternatives to those people who identify outside of
the gender binary of man and woman and prefer pronouns that are not masculine or feminine. The
chart is a reference and is not all inclusive. Many other pronouns exist, but this chart should help you
conjugate any type of pronoun:

Subjective Objective Possessive Possessive Reflexive Example

Adjective Pronoun

Ey Em Eir Eirs Eirself Ey is speaking.

I listened to em.
The backpack is eirs.
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He Him His His Himself He is speaking.
I listened to him.
The backpack is his.

Per Per Per Pers Persself Per is speaking.

I listened to per.
The backpack is
pers.

She Her Her Hers Herself She is speaking.

I listened to her.
The backpack is
hers.

They Them Their Theirs Themself They are speaking.

I listened to them.
The backpack is
theirs.

Xe Xem Xyr Xyrs Xemself Xe is speaking.

I listened to xem.
The backpack is xyrs.

Ze Zim Zir Zirs Zirself Ze is speaking.

I listened to zim.
The backpack is zirs.

Zie Zir Zir Zirs Zirself Zie is speaking.

I listened to Zir.
The backpack is Zirs.
*Adapted from Forge, Gender Neutral Pronouns; http://forgeforward.org/2010/02/01/gender-neutral-pronouns/

Gender Role – 1. Socially defined expectations regarding behavior, mannerisms, dress, etc. as
related to socially assigned gender. 2. How “masculine” or “feminine” an individual acts. Societies
commonly have norms regarding how males and females should behave, expecting people to have
personality characteristics and/or act a certain way based on their biological sex.

Gender Unicorn – A commonly used model to explain various aspects of one’s identity, including
assigned sex at birth, gender identity, gender expression, physical attraction, and romantic attraction.
The Gender Unicorn illustrates how, with the exception of assigned sex at birth, these different
aspects of identity exist on spectrums. The Gender Unicorn is available at transstudent.org/gender
*The popular Genderbread Person was plagiarized from the Gender Unicorn. Both models are not
comprehensive representations of identities since these are complex topics.

Gender Variant – 1. Sometimes utilized as an umbrella term used for the transgender and gender
noncomforming community. 2. Displaying gender traits that are not normatively associated with a
person’s biological sex. “Feminine” behavior or appearance in a male is gender-variant as is
“masculine” behavior or appearance in a female. Gender-variant behavior is culturally specific. [See
also: Gender Nonconforming]
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Gender-neutral – Nondiscriminatory language to describe relationships—e.g. “spouse” and
“partner” are gender-neutral alternatives to the gender-specific words “husband,” “wife,” “boyfriend”
and “girlfriend.”

Genderism – Holding people to traditional expectations based on gender or punishing or excluding

those who do not conform to traditional gender expectations.

Genderqueer/Gender Queer – 1. Someone whose gender expression is consciously not consistent

with conventional standards for masculine and/or feminine behavior. 2. A person who redefines or
plays with gender, or who refuses gender altogether. 3. A label for people who bend/break the rules
of gender and blur the boundaries. 4. Sometimes this includes a political agenda to challenge gender
stereotypes and the gender binary system. Genderqueer individuals may or may not pursue any
physical changes, such as hormonal or surgical intervention, and may not identify as trans*.

Grey Ace – Someone who identifies as part of the asexual community but does not identify as
completely asexual. This differs from demisexuality in that being demisexual is a specific orientation
and a gray ace is used as a catch all for any unspecified identity under the Ace umbrella.

GSRM – Gender, Sexual, and Romantic Minorities

Hate crime – Hate crime legislation often defines a hate crime as a crime motivated by the actual or
perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any
person.

Heteronormativity – Attitudes and behaviors that incorrectly assume gender is binary, ignoring
genders besides women and men, and that people should and will align with conventional
expectations of society for gender identity, gender expression, and sexual and romantic attraction.
For example, someone assigned female at birth is expected to 1) have a body that is considered
“female” by the dominant culture, 2) identify as a girl or woman, 3) act feminine and fulfill the roles
associated with girls and/or women, and 4) be romantically and sexually attracted to men.

Heteroromantic – Someone who has romantic feelings for someone of the opposite sex or gender.

Heterosexual – Someone who is emotionally, physically, romantically, spiritually and/or sexually

attracted to members of the opposite gender and/or sex. Also known as ‘straight.’

Heterosexism – Prejudice against individuals and groups who display non-heterosexual behaviors or
identities, combined with the majority power to impose such prejudice. Usually used to the advantage
of the group in power. Any attitude, action, or practice – backed by institutional power – that
subordinates people because of their sexual orientation.

Heterosexual Privilege – Those benefits derived automatically by being heterosexual or being

perceived as heterosexual that are denied to homosexual and bisexual people. Also, the benefits
homosexual and bisexual people receive as a result of claiming heterosexual identity or denying
homosexual or bisexual identity.

HIV/AIDS – HIV stands for Human Imuno-deficiency Virus. The original transmission of HIV came
through the infected blood of a chimp that was butchered for consumption. HIV is only communicable
through direct contact with blood, semen, cervical/vaginal secretions, breast milk, but CANNOT be
transmitted through bronchial fluid and sweat. HIV is also not communicable through social kissing,
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tattooing, inanimate objects, workplace settings or hugs. An estimated 5 million people are infected
with HIV throughout the world. 

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Whereas a
disease is a pathological condition with a single identifiable cause, a syndrome – like AIDS - is a
group of symptoms that together are characteristic of a specific condition. In its history, the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) defined AIDS five different times. Since 1993 the CDC recognizes and
individual with AIDS as someone who has HIV antibodies and a T-cell count of less than 200 per liter
of blood or one opportunistic infection. A healthy T-cell count ranges between 500 and 1600 cells per
liter of blood. Kaposi’s sarcoma, cervical cancer, pneumonia and herpes are all examples of
opportunistic infections, or organisms and viruses that are normally present but do not cause disease
unless the immune system is damaged. An estimated 40 million people are infected with AIDS.

HIV-phobia – The irrational fear or hatred of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Homophobia – The irrational fear, hatred, and/or intolerance of people who identify or are perceived
as non-heterosexual, including the fear of being read as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally,
homophobia assumes that heterosexuality is superior. Homophobic behavior can range from telling
gay jokes, to verbal abuse, to acts of physical violence.

Homoromantic – Someone who has romantic feelings for members of the same sex or gender.

Homosexual – An out of date term for a person who is primarily emotionally, romantically, spiritually,
physically, and/or sexually attracted to members of the same sex and/or gender. Many people view
this term as offensive in that it is excessively clinical and sexualizes members of the LGBTQ+
community.

Hormone Replacement Therapy – The process of taking hormones to achieve the secondary sex
characteristics of the desired sex. “T” is common short hand for the male hormone testosterone.

Hermaphrodite – An offensive word. See Intersex.

Identity Sphere – The idea that gender identities and expressions do not fit on a linear scale, but
rather on a sphere that allows room for all expression without weighting any one expression as better
than another.

In the Closet – Refers to an individual who identifies within the LGBTQ+ spectrum who will not or
cannot disclose their sex, sexuality, sexual orientation or gender identity to their friends, family, co-
workers, or society. An intersex person may be closeted due to ignorance about their status since
standard medical practice is to “correct,” whenever possible, intersex conditions early in childhood
and to hide the medical history from the patient. There are varying degrees of being “in the closet.”
For example, a person can be out in their social life, but in the closet at work, or with their family.

Institutional Oppression – Arrangements of a society used to benefit one group at the expense of
another through the use of language, media, education, religion, economics, etc.

Internalized Oppression – The fear and self-hate of one or more of a person’s own identities that
occurs for many individuals who have learned negative ideas about their identities throughout
childhood. One form of internalized oppression is the acceptance of the myths and stereotypes
applied to the oppressed group.
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Intersectionality – A term coined by law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw in the 1980s to
describe the way that multiple systems of oppression interact in the lives of those with multiple
marginalized identities. Intersectionality looks at the relationships between multiple marginalized
identities and allows us to analyze social problems more fully, shape more effective interventions, and
promote more inclusive advocacy amongst communities.

Intersex – Intersexuality reflects the natural variation for a variety conditions of which a person is
born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or
male. That is, intersex people are born with "sex chromosomes," external genitalia, gonads, or
internal reproductive systems that are not considered "standard" for either male or female. The
existence of intersexuals shows that there are not just two sexes and that our ways of thinking about
sex (trying to force everyone to fit into either the male box or the female box) is socially constructed.
Intersex people are sometimes defined as having “ambiguous” genitalia.

Invisible minority – A group whose minority status is not always immediately visible, such as some
people with disabilities and LGBTQQIA people. This lack of visibility may make organizing for rights
difficult.

Kink – (Kinky, Kinkiness) Most commonly referred to as unconventional sexual practices, from
which people derive varying forms of pleasure and consensually play-out various forms of desires,
fantasies, and scenes.

Lambda – λ The Gay Activist Alliance originally chose the lambda, the Greek letter "L", as a symbol
in 1970. Organizers chose the letter "L" to signify liberation. The word has become a way of
expressing the concept "lesbian and gay male" in a minimum of syllables and has been adopted by
such organizations as Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Latinx – pronounced “La-TEEN-ex”, is a non-gender specific way of referring to people of Latin

American descent. The term Latinx, unlike terms such as Latino/a and Latin@, does not assume a
gender binary and includes non binary folks.

Leather Community – A community which encompasses those who are into leather, sado-
masochism, bondage and domination, uniform, cowboys, rubber, and other fetishes. Although the
leather community is often associated with the queer community, it is not a "gay-only" community.

Lesbian – Term used to describe female-identified people attracted romantically, erotically, and/or
emotionally to other female-identified people.

Legal name – A name appearing on an official government-issued document.

Legal Sex – The sex assigned on an individual’s legal documentation.

Lesbian – A person who identifies as a woman whose sexual and/or affectional orientation includes
women.

LGBTQ – A common abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and community. The
acronym is used as an umbrella term when talking about non-heterosexual and non-cisgender
identities and does not always reflect members of the community. The acronym may be expanded to
LGBTQ2IA2 to include questioning, intersex individuals, allies, and/or asexual people, or shortened to
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LGBQ when discussing only sexual orientation. There are multiple variations of this acronym
including LGBT, GLBT, TQLGB, QLGBT, and many more. [See also: LGBTQQIAAPPO2S]

LGBTQQIAAPPODGQ2S – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual,

Ally, Pansexual, Polyamorous, Omnisexual, Demisexual, Gender Queer, and Two-Spirit.

LGBTQIA Allyship – The practice of confronting heterosexism, sexism, genderism, allosexism, and
monosexism in oneself and others out of self-interest and a concern for the well being of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people. Is founded on the understanding that
dismantling heterosexism, monosexism, trans oppression/trans misogyny/cissexism and allosexism is
a social justice issue.

Lifestyle – This word is often used to indicate that an LGBT person in choosing a way of living as
opposed to simply living.

Lipstick Lesbian – Usually refers to a lesbian with a feminine gender expression. Can be used in a
positive or a derogatory way, depending on who is using it. Is sometimes also used to refer to a
lesbian who is seen as automatically passing for heterosexual.

Lived name – A self-chosen or preferred personal and/or professional name used instead of a legal
name.

Marginalized – Excluded, ignored, or relegated to the outer edge of a group/society/community.

Masculine of Center – A term coined by B. Cole of the Brown Boi Project to describe folks, including
lesbian/queer womyn and trans folks, who lean towards the masculine side of the gender spectrum.
These can include a wide range of identities such as butch, stud, aggressive/AG, dom, macha,
tomboi, trans-masculine, etc.

Men who have sex with Men (MSM) – Men who engage in same-sex behavior but who may not
necessarily self-identify as gay.

Men who love Men (MLM) – Men who love men, which includes gay men as well as men who are
attracted to men and people of other genders.

Microaggressions – Brief and subtle behaviors, whether intentional or not, that communicate hostile,
derogatory, or negative messages of commonly oppressed identities. These actions cause harm
through the invalidation of the target person’s identity and may reinforce stereotypes. Examples of
microaggressions include a person who is not white being told they speak “good English” or someone
saying something is “gay” to mean they think something is bad.

Misgendering – Attributing a gender to someone that is incorrect/does not align with their gender
identity. Can occur when using pronouns, gendered language (i.e. “Hello ladies!” “Hey guys”), or
assigning genders to people without knowing how they identify (i.e. “Well, since we’re all women in
this room, we understand…”).

Monogamy – Having only one intimate partner at any one time; also known as serial monogamy,
since “true” monogamy refers to the practice of having only one partner for life (such as in some
animal species).
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Monosexism – The belief in and systematic privileging of monosexuality as superior, and the
systematic oppression of non-monosexuality.

Monosexual – Attracted to one gender. May be used for individuals who identify as straight,
heterosexual, gay, lesbian, etc.

MTF (Male to Female) – Abbreviation for a male-to-female transgender person. This term reflects the
direction of gender transition. Some people prefer the term FTF (female to female) to underscore the
fact that though they were biologically male, they never had a male gender identity. [Related terms:
transgender woman, trans* woman]

Multisexual – An umbrella term to describe attraction to more than one gender. It can include sexual
attractions like bisexual, polysexual, omnisexual, and others. The aforementioned terms are used by
some interchangeably and for others the subtle differences among them are important.

Neurodiversity – Neurodiversity refers to the natural and important variations in how human minds
think. These differences can include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia,
dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette Syndrome, and others. Like other variable human traits like race,
gender, sexuality, or culture, there is no right or wrong form of diversity. The social dynamics that
exert power over other forms of diversity also impact neurodivergent people. Neurodiversity is not
something to be cured or corrected to fit some social norm - rather, we should celebrate different
forms of communication and self-expression and promote support systems to allow neurodivergent
people to thrive. (Neurocosmopolitanism, The National Symposium on Neurodiversity)

Neurodivergent – “Neurodivergent, sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a brain that

functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.” A person
whose neurocognitive functioning diverges from dominant societal norms in multiple ways – for
instance, a person who is Autistic, has dyslexia, and has epilepsy – can be described as multiply
neurodivergent. The terms neurodivergent and neurodivergence were coined by Kassiane
Asasumasu, a multiply neurodivergent neurodiversity activist.” (Neurocosmopolitanism)

Neurotypical – “Neurotypical, often abbreviated as NT, means having a style of neurocognitive

functioning that falls within the dominant societal standards of “normal.” Neurotypical can be used as
either an adjective (“He’s neurotypical”) or a noun (“He’s a neurotypical”).” (Neurocosmopolitanism)

Neutrois – A non-binary gender identity that falls under the genderqueer or transgender umbrellas.
There is no one definition of Neutrois, since each person that self-identifies as such experiences their
gender differently. The most common ones are: Neutral-gender, Null-gender, Neither male nor
female, Genderless and/or Agender. (Neutrois.com)

Nonbinary/Nonbinary/Non-binary – An umbrella term for all genders other than female/male or

woman/man; used as an adjective (e.g. Jesse is a nonbinary person). Not all nonbinary people
identify as trans and not all trans people identify as nonbinary. Sometimes (though rarely), nonbinary
can be used to describe the aesthetic/presentation/expression of a cisgender person.

Nonmonosexual – Attracted to more than one gender. May be used for individuals who identify as
fluid, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, ambisexual, etc.
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Neutrois – A person who identifies as being neither male nor female. This differs from
androgyne, in that an androgyne sees themselves as a mix of two genders and neutrois individual
sees themselves as not having a gender. [Similar terms: genderless, agender, or non-gendered.]

Omnigender – Possessing all genders; exhibiting cultural characteristics of male and female. The
term is specifically used to refute the concept of only two genders.

Omnisexual – A person who is attracted to one or more genders regardless of the other person’s
sexual orientation.

On E – When a MTF takes the hormone estrogen.

On T – When a FTM takes the hormone testosterone.

Oppression – The systematic subjugation of a group of people by another group with access to
social power, the result of which benefits one group over the other and is maintained by social beliefs
and practices.
Individual Level – a person’s beliefs or behaviors that consciously or subconsciously work to
perpetuate actions and attitudes of oppression (See internalized oppression)

Institutional Level – Institutions such as family, government, industry, education, and religion
have policies and procedures that can promote systems of oppression.

Societal/Cultural Level – community norms that perpetuate implicit and explicit values that
bind institutions and individuals; social norms on what is valued, accepted, or desirable give
the individual and institutional levels the justification for systemic oppression.

Oppression Olympics – Although it is imperative to acknowledge all of the various identities we

encompass as individuals; it is equally important that we do not allow this to devolve into a
competition of who is oppressed more.

Orientation – Orientation is one’s attraction or non-attraction to other people. An individual’s

orientation can be fluid and people use a variety of labels to describe their orientation. Some, but not
all, types of attraction or orientation include: romantic, sexual, sensual, aesthetic, intellectual and
platonic.

Outing – When someone discloses information about another’s sexual orientation or gender identity
without their knowledge and/or consent.

Packing – Wearing a phallic device on the groin and under clothing for any purposes including: (for
someone without a biological penis) the validation or confirmation of one’s masculine gender identity;
seduction; and/or sexual readiness (for one who likes to penetrate another during sexual intercourse).

Panromantic – Someone who has romantic feelings for a person regardless of their sex or gender.

Pansexual – A person who is fluid in sexual orientation and is attracted to others regardless of
gender. A common phrase used with this community is “hearts not parts.”

Passing – Describes a person's ability to be accepted as their preferred gender/sex or to be seen as

heterosexual.
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Perceived Gender – What another person assumes one’s gender is in a given interaction. Some
people’s gender expressions can be misinterpreted or confused and perceived as different from the
person’s identity.

Phobia – In mental and emotional wellness, a phobia is a marked and persistent fear that is
excessive in proportion to the actual threat or danger the situation presents. Historically, this term
has been used inaccurately to refer to systems of oppression (i.e. homophobia has been used to refer
to heterosexism.) As a staff, we’ve been intentionally moving away from using words like
"transphobic,” “homophobic,” and "biphobic" because they inaccurately describe systems of
oppression as irrational fears, and, for some people, phobias are a very distressing part of their lived
experience and co-opting this language is disrespectful to their experiences and perpetuates
ableism.

Polyamory – Refers to having honest, non-monogamous relationships with multiple partners and can
include: open relationships, polyfidelity (which involves multiple romantic relationships with sexual
contact restricted to those), and sub-relationships (which denote distinguishing between a ‘primary’
relationship or relationships and various ‘secondary’ relationships).

Polygender, Pangender – Exhibiting characteristics of multiple genders, deliberately refuting the

concept of only two genders.

Polysexual – People who have romantic, sexual, or affectional desire for more than one gender. Not
to be confused with polyamory (above). Has some overlap with bisexuality and pansexuality.

Preference – This word is often used to indicate that being LGBT is an inclination as opposed to an
identity.

Preferred name – Preferred name, like lived name, is a self-chosen personal and/or professional
name used instead of a legal name.

Prejudice – A conscious or unconscious negative belief about a whole group of people and its
individual members. Anyone can be prejudiced toward another individual or group.

Privilege – a set of unearned benefits given to people who fit into a specific social group. The
concept has roots in WEB DuBois’ work on “psychological wage” and white people’s feelings of
superiority over Black people. Peggy McIntosh wrote about privilege as a white woman and
developed an inventory of unearned privileges that she experienced in daily life because of her
whiteness.

Pronouns – Linguistic tools used to refer to someone in the third person. Examples are
they/them/theirs, ze/hir/hirs, she/her/hers, he/him/his. In English and some other languages,
pronouns have been tied to gender and are a common site of misgendering (attributing a gender to
someone that is incorrect.)

Queer – 1. An umbrella term which includes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans* people, intersex
persons, radical sex communities, and many other sexually transgressive communities. 2. This term
is sometimes used as a sexual orientation label or gender identity label used to denote a non-
heterosexual or cisgender identity without have to define specifics. 3. A reclaimed word that was
formerly used solely as a slur but that has been reclaimed by some folks in the LGBTQ+ community.
 Page 17
Nevertheless, a sizable percentage of people to whom this term might apply still hold ‘queer’ to be
a hateful insult, and its use by heterosexual people is often considered offensive.

Questioning – The process of exploring one’s own gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual
orientation. Some people may also use this term to name their identity within the LGBTQIA
community.

Race – A social construct that divides people into distinct groups based on characteristics such as
physical appearance, ancestral heritage, cultural affiliation, cultural history, ethnic classification,
based on the social, economic, and political context of a society at a given period of time. (Racial
Equity Resource Guide)

Racism – The systematic subordination of people from marginalized racial groups based on their
physical appearance, ethnic or ancestral history, or cultural affiliation. Racism is considered a deeply
pervasive, systemic issue perpetuated by members of the privileged racial group holding dominant
social power over others. Discrimination, prejudice, or xenophobia may be more accurate terms for
describing individual acts of oppression. While these individual acts likely stem from systemic racism,
at the individual level the power dynamics that enable racism are not at play in the same way.

Rainbow Flag – The Rainbow Freedom Flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker to designate the
great diversity of the community. It has been recognized by the International Flag Makers Association
as the official flag of the LGBTQQIA civil rights movement.

Religion – A personal or institutionalized system of beliefs and practices concerning the cause,
nature, and purpose of the universe, often grounded in belief in and reverence for some supernatural
power or powers; often involves devotional and ritual observances and contains a moral code
governing the conduct of human affairs.

Romantic Orientation – Romantic Orientation is attraction or non-attraction to other people

characterized by the expression or non-expression of love. Romantic orientation can be fluid and
people use a variety of labels to describe their romantic orientation. See also Orientation.

Same Gender Loving (SGL) – A term used by members of the African-American / Black community
to express same sex/ gender attraction. Note that it is often used as an alternative to words that do
not culturally affirm the history of people of African descent.

Sex – A medical term designating a certain combination of gonads, chromosomes, external gender
organs, secondary sex characteristics and hormonal balances. Sex is ascribed by the birth doctor
based on genital anatomy at birth. Because ‘sex’ is usually subdivided into a binary of ‘male’ and
‘female,’ this category does not recognize the existence of intersex bodies. Although sex is
considered to be based on the above characteristics, rarely are babies tested for their specific genetic
make up therefore ones sex is usually socially constructed to reflect whether a baby has a vagina or
penis and ascribed ‘male’ and/or ‘female’.

Sex Identity – How a person identifies physically: female, male, in between, beyond, or neither. This
can include refusing to label oneself with a sex.

Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) – Surgery for the purpose of having a body more consistent with
one’s gender identity. Sex reassignment surgery can be quite costly and not everyone who desires
sex reassignment surgery has equal access. [See also: Gender Confirming Surgery]
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Sexism – The cultural, institutional, and individual set of beliefs and practices that privilege men,
subordinate women, and devalue ways of being that are associated with women.

Sexual Activity – Refers to being sexually active or not

Sexual minority – Refers to people whose sexual orientations are not heterosexual or people who
engage in sexual activities that are not part of the mainstream notions of sexuality.

Sexual Orientation – The desire for intimate physical, romantic, aesthetic, emotional and/or sexual
attraction with people of the same gender/sex, another gender/sex, or multiple genders/sexes. It is on
a continuum and not a set of absolute categories. Sometimes referred to as affectional orientation or
sexuality. Sexual orientation can change over time through a multistage developmental process.

Sexuality – Refers to a person’s exploration of sexual behaviors, practices and identities in the social
world.

Sexual behavior – any activity—solitary, between two persons, or in a group—that induces sexual
arousal, how individuals experience and/or express their sexuality. Who your engaging with sexually.

Sizeism – The pervasive system of discrimination and exclusion that oppresses people who have
bodies that society has labeled as “overweight,” as well as people of short stature. Hxstorically
speaking, fat people’s bodies have been labeled as unhealthy, undesirable, and lazy; this fails to
complicate narratives around health and healthy living. This form of oppression has been referred to
as fatphobia.

Social Identities – Social identity groups are based on the physical, social, and mental
characteristics of individuals. They are sometimes obvious and clear, sometimes not obvious and
unclear, often self-claimed and frequently ascribed by others.

Socialization – The process by which societal norms influence a number of aspects that frame how
members of a community live - including how they might think, behave, and hold certain values.
Socialization can reinforce assumptions or expectations that give power to systems of oppression.

Social Justice – A goal and a process in which the distribution of resources is equitable and all
members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. Begins with an acknowledgement that
oppression and inequity exist and must be actively dismantled on all levels. (Adams, Bell, & Griffin.)

Socioeconomic Class – Social group membership based on a combination of factors including

income, education level, occupation, and social status in the community, such as contacts within the
community, group associations, and the community's perception of the family or individual.

SOGIE – An acronym that stands for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. Is used by
some in a similar way to the umbrella acronym: LGBTQIA.

Spectrum – a range or sliding scale. Aspects of one's identity like sexual orientation, gender identity,
and gender expression exist on a spectrum. For example, with sexual orientation, the attraction to
men, women, or someone of another gender all exist on separate spectrums. Someone might feel a
little attracted to men, very much attracted to women, and moderate attraction to people outside this
binary. Please also see the Gender Unicorn to learn more about these aspects of identity.
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*The phrase “on the spectrum” is more commonly used to refer to identifying on the autism
spectrum rather than sexuality or gender. (AutisticAdvocacy.org)

Spirituality – Having to do with deep feelings and convictions, including a person’s sense of peace,
purpose, connection to others, and understanding of the meaning and value of life; may or may not
be associated with a particular set of beliefs or practices.

Standards of Care – Organizational professional consensus about the psychiatric, psychological,

medical, and surgical management of gender identity disorders. Professionals may use this document
to understand the parameters within which they may offer assistance to those with these conditions.
Persons with gender identity disorders, their families, and social institutions may use the SOC to
understand the current thinking of professionals. Outlines hormone therapy, the real-life test, etc.
http://www.hbigda.org/socv6sm.pdf

Stealth – This term refers to when a person chooses to be secretive in the public sphere about their
gender history, either after transitioning or while successful passing. Also referred to as ‘going stealth’
or ‘living in stealth mode.’

Stem – A person whose gender expression falls somewhere between a stud and a femme. [See
also: Femme and Stud]

Stereotype – A preconceived, exaggerated or oversimplified generalization about an entire group of

people without regard for their individual differences. Some stereotypes can be positive. However,
they can have a negative impact, simply because they involve broad generalizations that ignore
individual realities.

Stonewall Riots – On June 28th, 1969, New York City Police attempted a routine raid on the
Stonewall Inn, a working-class gay and lesbian bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. Unexpectedly,
the patrons resisted, and the incident escalated into a riot that continued for several days. Many
people attribute this event as the catalyst for the American Gay Liberation Movement. It is often left
out that the more frequent patrons of this bar were trans women, drag queens and butch lesbians.

Straight – A person who is attracted to a gender other than their own. Commonly thought of as
“attraction to the opposite gender,” but since there are not only two genders (see transgender), this
definition is inaccurate.

Straight-Acting – A term usually applied to gay men who readily pass as heterosexual. The term
implies that there is a certain way that gay men should act that is significantly different from
heterosexual men. Straight-acting gay men may be critiqued by members of the LGBTQ community
for seemingly accessing heterosexual privilege.

Stud – A term used by people of color to describe a masculine lesbian. Also known as ‘aggressive.’

Switch – A person who is both a ‘Top’ and a ‘Bottom;’ there may or may not be a preference for one
or the other. Also known as ‘Versatile.’

Top – A person who is the giving or penetrating partner during sexual activity.

Top Surgery – This term usually refers to surgery for the construction of a male-type chest but may
also refer to breast augmentation.
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Tokenize – The policy or practice of making only a symbolic effort. For example, you are the only
(out) Queer student in your class. Your professor, to create the illusion of a diverse discussion, asks
you to fill in the gay parts of a discussion on Oscar Wilde.

Tranny – Slang word used by the transgender in-crowd to refer to themselves. Ask your transgender
friend if you can use it. That’s a joke. See Tokenize.

Trans Man – An identity label sometimes adopted by individuals who were assigned female at birth
and to signify that they are men while still affirming their transgender history.

Trans Woman – An identity label sometimes adopted by individuals who were assigned male at birth
and to signify that they are women while still affirming their transgender history.

Trans* – An abbreviation that is used to refer to a transgender/gender queer/ gender non-conforming

person. This use allows a person to state a gender variant identity without having to disclose
hormonal or surgical status/intentions. This term is sometimes used to refer to the whole gender non-
conforming community that might include (but is not limited to) transgender, genderqueer,
genderfluid, non-binary, genderf*ck, transsexual, agender, third gender, two-spirit, bigender, trans
man, trans woman, gender non-conforming, masculine of center, and gender questioning.

Transfeminine – 1. A term used to describe those who were assigned male at birth but identify as
more female than male. 2. Those who identify as transfeminine, as opposed to simply as MTF or a
woman, trans or otherwise, often place themselves feminine of center. That is, they identify more
closely with femaleness than maleness, and generally desire a physical appearance that reflects this
identification, but do not identify as wholly female or as a woman. It should be noted that
transfeminine is not a descriptor of gender expression but of identity. Transfeminine people do not
necessarily have to be stereotypically feminine in their interests or even presentation.

Transgender – 1. An umbrella term for transsexuals, cross-dressers (transvestites), gender queers,

and people who identify as neither female nor male and/or as neither a man nor as a woman.
Transgender is not a sexual orientation; transgender people may have any sexual orientation. It is
important to acknowledge that while some people may fit under this definition of transgender, they
may not identify as such. 2. Transgender (sometimes shortened to trans or TG) people are those
whose psychological self ("gender identity") differs from the social expectations for the physical sex
with which they were born. To understand this, one must understand the difference between
biological sex, which is one’s body (genitals, chromosomes, etc.), and social gender, which refers to
levels of masculinity and femininity. Often, society conflates sex and gender, viewing them as the
same thing. However, gender and sex are not the same thing. For example, a female with a
masculine gender identity or who identifies as a man.

Transition – This term is primarily used to refer to the process a gender variant person undergoes
when changing their bodily appearance either to be more congruent with the gender/sex with which
they identify and/or to be in harmony with their preferred gender expression. This process may
ultimately include sex reassignment surgery (SRS), or it may not include any surgical procedures.

Transmasculine – 1. A term used to describe those who were assigned female at birth but identify
as more male than female. 2. Those who identify as transmasculine, as opposed to simply as FTM or
a man identify more closely with maleness than femaleness, and generally desire a physical
appearance that reflects this identification, but do not identify as wholly male or as a man. It should be
 Page 21
noted that transmasculine is not a descriptor of gender expression but of identity.
Transmasculine people do not necessarily have to be stereotypically masculine in their interests or
even presentation.

Transphobia – The irrational fear of, hatred and/or intolerance of those who are or are perceived to
be transgender or gender non-conforming. Transphobia is manifested in a number of ways, including
but limited to violence, harassment and discrimination, and sometimes deadly.

Transsexual – A person who identifies psychologically as a gender/sex other than the one to which
they were assigned at birth. A transsexual person may undergo medical treatment to change his/her
physical sex to match his/her sex identity through hormone treatments and/or surgically. Not all
transsexuals can have or desire surgery and may not be able to afford surgery.

Triangle – A symbol of remembrance. Gay men in the Nazi concentration camps were forced to wear
the pink triangle as a designation of being homosexual. Women who did not conform to social roles,
often believed to be lesbians, had to wear the black triangle. The triangles are worn today as symbols
of freedom, reminding us to never forget.

Twink – originally, was an acronym for T.W.I.N.K - Teenage, White, Into No Kink. Referring to young
or youthful, homosexual males, with little or no body hair, and semi-athletic or thin build.

Two Spirit – A contemporary term that references historical multiple-gender traditions in many Native
and indigenous cultures. Many Native/indigenous people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
intersex, or gender non-conforming identify as Two-Spirit; in many Nations, being Two-Spirit carries
both great respect and additional commitments and responsibilities to one’s community.

Undocumented – People are who are born outside of the country to which they immigrated, who do
not have documentation that grants legal rights related to residency and/or citizenship.

Ursula – Some lesbians, particularly butch dykes, also participate in Bear culture referring to
themselves with the distinct label Ursula.

Versatile – A person who is both a ‘Top’ and a ‘Bottom;’ there may or may not be a preference for
one or the other. Also known as ‘Switch.’

Womxn – some womxn spell the word with an “x” as a form of empowerment to move away from the
“men” in the “traditional” spelling of women.

Ze/Hir – Alternate pronouns that are gender neutral and preferred by some gender variant persons.
Pronounced /zee/ and /here/ they replace “he”/”she” and “his”/”hers” respectively.

This terminology sheet was originally created by Eli R. Green and Erica Peterson of the LGBT Resource Center at the
University of California, Riverside Ò 2003-2004 and has been revised using resources from the following organizations:
University of California, Riverside; MIT; University of California, Berkeley; George Washington University; California State
University, San Marco; University of California, San Diego; Bowling Green State University; The Asexuality Visibility and
Education Network (AVEN), and Wikipedia. Updated May 2015. It was further updated by University of California, Merced
in Aug 10.2020.