Glossary

Two-Spirit

Two-Spirit

A term used by some Indigenous cultures to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities.

Transgender (Trans)

Transgender (Trans)

A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Questioning

Questioning

A person who is exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Outing

Outing

The act of revealing someone's LGBTQIA+ identity without their consent.

Pronouns

Pronouns

Words used to refer to people in place of their name, such as he/him, she/her, or they/them.

Gender Expression

Gender Expression

The external presentation of one's gender, including clothing, hairstyle, and behavior.

Coming Out

Coming Out

The process of revealing one's LGBTQIA+ identity to others.

Queer

Queer

An umbrella term used by some to describe non-normative sexual orientations and gender identities.

Bisexual (Bi)

Bisexual (Bi)

A person who is attracted to more than one gender.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation

A person's physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to others.

Gender Identity

Gender Identity

A person's internal understanding of their own gender, whether male, female, a blend of both, neither, or another gender.

Pansexual

Pansexual

A person who is attracted to individuals regardless of their gender.

Intersex

Intersex

A person born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.

Ally

Ally

A person who supports and stands up for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Deadname

Deadname

The birth name of a transgender person that they no longer use after transitioning.

Gender Dysphoria:

Gender Dysphoria:

Distress or discomfort that may occur when a person's gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth.

Genderqueer

Genderqueer

A term used by some people who do not identify within the traditional gender binary.

Lesbian

Lesbian

A woman who is attracted to other women.

Cisgender

Cisgender

A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Non-Binary

Non-Binary

A person whose gender identity does not fit within the traditional binary of male and female.

Transition

Transition

The process some transgender people undergo to live as the gender with which they identify, which may include social, legal, and/or medical steps.

Asexual (Ace)

Asexual (Ace)

A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.

LGBT Meaning

LGBT Meaning

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender