WHY LANGUAGE MATTERS
The language we use to discuss identity is constantly changing. Although we have attempted to include as many general terms as we can that are relevant to LGBTQ+ youth, new terms are always appearing and the usage of existing terms is evolving. The best approach is to ask youth themselves which terms they prefer and what those terms mean to them. This list is not all-encompassing, but meant to act as a starting point for allies and LGBTQ+ folk to understand the verbiage of the wider community.
For an extended terminology list, please click HERE.
GENDER AND SEX-RELATED TERMS
MALE
A person born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that aligns to typical definitions of male or in terms of physiological sex characteristics such as variations of genetics, reproductive structures, or hormones.
FEMALE
A person born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that aligns to typical definitions of female or in terms of physiological sex characteristics such as variations of genetics, reproductive structures, or hormones.
GENDER
A social construct based on emotional, behavioral, and cultural characteristics attached to a person’s sex assigned at birth. Gender has several components, including gender identity, gender expression, and gender role.
GENDER IDENTITY
A person’s internal sense of who they are in regard to gender, regardless of their sex assigned at birth.
GENDER BINARY
A way of defining gender as only two opposite categories: male and female. In this mindset, all people must exclusively identify with one of these two categories. There is no in-between or other according to this idea. Of course, that is not the case in actuality. Gender is a wide spectrum.
CISGENDER
A term used to refer to an individual whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned to them at birth. The prefix cis- comes from the Latin word for “on the same side as.” The term cisgender is not a slur, just as heterosexual is not a slur. (PFLAG)
INTERSEX
Intersex is a term used to refer to people whose bodies exhibit characteristics associated with both male and female biology. This can be through variations in hormones, chromosomes, internal or external genitalia, or any combination of primary and/or secondary sex characteristics. As intersex is about biological sex, it is distinct from gender identity and sexual orientation. An intersex person can be of any gender identity. (PFLAG)
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH
Refers to anatomical, physiological, genetic, or physical attributes that determine if a person is male, female, or intersex. These include both primary and secondary sex characteristics, including genitalia, gonads, hormone levels, hormone receptors, chromosomes, and genes. Often also referred to as “sex,” “physical sex,” “anatomical sex,” or “biological sex.” Biological sex is often conflated or interchanged with gender, which is more societal than biological, and involves personal identity factors. Acronyms AMAB and AFAB stand for “assigned male at birth” and “assigned female at birth,” respectively. (PFLAG)
TRANSGENDER
A term describing a person’s gender identity that does not necessarily match their assigned sex at birth. This word is also used as an umbrella term to describe groups of people who transcend conventional expectations of gender identity or expression. Often shortened to trans, from the Latin prefix for “on a different side from.” (PFLAG)
NON-BINARY
An adjective describing a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. Non-binary people may identify as being both a man and a woman, somewhere in between, or as falling completely outside these categories. While many also identify as transgender, not all non-binary people do. (Human Rights Campaign)
SEXUAL ORIENTATION-RELATED TERMS
Sexual orientation refers to one’s emotional and sexual attraction to others. Sexual orientation includes gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, pansexual, asexual, etc. May also be referred to as sexual identity.
ASEXUAL
A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction, or little to no desire to engage in sexual activity. Asexuality is a spectrum, and some people who identify as asexual may experience sexual attraction within a romantic relationship, while others never feel sexual attraction.
BISEXUAL
A person who experiences romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to people of two or more genders.
GAY
1. A person who experiences romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attraction to people of the same gender as themselves.
2. An umbrella term to denote something or someone as LGBTQ+. This use of the word has become less common as the term “queer” has taken on the same meaning.
ALLY
Someone who supports diverse individuals by standing against all homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination. An ally advocates for LGBTQ+ issues and individuals.
LESBIAN
A woman whose primary emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction is to other women. Some lesbians have expanded this definition to include anyone who is not a man who is attracted primarily to people who are not men.
PANSEXUAL
A person who experiences emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to people regardless of their gender. People who identify as pansexual often say that gender is not a factor in determining their attraction to someone. This differs from bisexuality, in which a person is attracted to multiple genders, but gender is still a primary factor in that attraction.
QUEER
An umbrella term for anyone whose sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression are outside of societal norms (i.e. not straight or cisgender). Historically the term queer was used as a slur, so although it has been largely reclaimed by the LGBTQ community, some individuals might still find it offensive.
STRAIGHT/HETEROSEXUAL
A person who is romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually attracted to people of a gender other than their own.
OTHER KEY TERMS
COMING OUT
The process of disclosing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others. Coming out is not a discrete event but a lifelong process.
OUTING
The unauthorized disclosure by one person of another’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
MISGENDERING
The act of referring to someone as a gender with which they do not identify. Misgendering can include using the wrong pronouns, honorifics, name, etc. It can also include making other gender-related comments.
DEADNAMING
Intentionally or unintentionally using the birth or other former name of a transgender or non-binary person without their consent.
LGBTQ+
An umbrella term that stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer” people. The Q can also stand for questioning. LGBTQIA is another common version of this acronym, one that includes letters for intersex and asexuality.
GENDER EXPRESSION
An individual’s physical characteristics, behaviors, and presentation that intentionally or unintentionally serve as social markers of masculinity, femininity, or androgyny. Forms of gender expression include appearance, dress, mannerisms, speech patterns, and social interactions.
PRONOUNS
Pronouns that refer to an individual in the third person. In English, such pronouns are gendered, so it is important to ask what someone’s pronouns are rather than misgender them by incorrectly assuming their pronouns. Examples include: she/her/hers, he/him/his, and they/them/theirs.
GENDER NEUTRAL PRONOUNS
Pronouns which are often used by people who do not identify solely with one of the two binary genders. Gender neutral pronouns like the singular “they” can also be used when the gender identity of a person is unknown (“someone dropped their wallet”). Examples of gender neutral pronouns include they/them/theirs, ze/hir/hirs, and xe/xem/xyr.
SAFE SPACE
A physical space or group that has been intentionally designated as an environment where people of marginalized identities can feel safe from discrimination and bias. Ideally, safe spaces are intended to be places where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. In practice, the effectiveness of safe spaces are contingent upon those facilitating the group to ensure that everyone in the space abides by this level of respect.
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