intersex (adj.)
A general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive organs, sexual anatomy, and/or chromosomes that do not fit the traditional definitions of male and female. Though “intersex” is defined using biological markers, it is not any less a social construct than other identities. Intersex (and non-intersex) people […]
heterosexual (adj.)
A person who is heterosexual is attracted to members of another sex or gender. Heterosexuality is most commonly defined within the gender binary, with heterosexual men attracted to women, and heterosexual women attracted to men.
gender identity (n.)
Refers to a person’s internal, deeply felt sense of being a man or woman, or something other or in between, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth; because gender identity is internal and personally defined, it is not visible to others. Gender identity exists separately from a person’s physical characteristics, […]
gender expression (n.)
The way in which an individual outwardly expresses their gender(s). This can be through clothing, mannerisms, patterns of speech, behavior, activities, and more. The way in which a person expresses their gender varies by personal preference, and as such there is no right or wrong way to express gender. Additionally, a person’s gender expression may […]
gender (n.)
The societal norms, expectations, beliefs, and formal/informal rules associated with binary genders. These norms vary between cultures, groups, and individuals, and may or may not correspond with their gender identity.
demisexual (adj.)
A person who identifies as demisexual may only feel sexual attraction towards a person with whom they have a strong emotional bond. Like any sexual orientation, this does not mean that a demisexual person will be sexually attracted to every person with whom they have an emotional bond. Demisexual people may also hold other modifying […]
deadname (n.)
Commonly used in transgender and nonbinary communities, a deadname refers to an individual’s given name at birth, which they no longer use or identify with. This can be because the deadname is associated with a gender different from the gender(s) with which the individual identifies. Individuals with a deadname usually prefer to use a different, […]
consent (n.)
Consent is a clear, enthusiastic agreement between participants to engage in sexual activities. It is important to always obtain consent from all parties before participating in any sexual activity. Consent cannot be obtained from people who are under the age of 18, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, unconscious, under pressure of intimidation/threat/social influence, […]
cisgender (adj.)
A description for a person whose gender identity, gender expression and sex assigned at birth align (e.g., man, masculine and male).
bisexual (adj.)
A person who is bisexual is commonly described as being attracted to people of their own gender as well as another gender. However, depending on an individual’s social and cultural background, it can also mean that a person is attracted to men and women, all sexes/genders, and/or that a person is attracted to others regardless […]