Definitions

Queer

A term that describes sexual and gender identities other than heterosexual/straight and cisgender. All members of the LGBTQ+ community may identify with the word queer. Some people choose not to use the word queer to describe themselves because of its history as a slur, but many people have reclaimed it.

Homosexual & Heterosexual

'Homo' means 'the same as,' and 'hetero' means 'the opposite of.' If you are gay/homosexual, you are attracted to people that are the same gender as you. If you are straight/heterosexual, you are attracted to people of the opposite gender.

Bisexual

A word to describe people that feel romantic or sexual attraction to two or more genders. Some bisexual people may have prefrences for one gender over another, but others may not.

Pansexual

A word to describe people that feel romantic or sexual attraction regardless of gender. Similar to bisexual, which describes people that feel romantic or sexual attraction towards men and women or more than one gender. Some people may use both words to describe themselves, but others may only use one.

Transgender & Cisgender

Latin Prefixes – ‘cis-’ means ‘on the same side of’, and ‘trans-’ means ‘on the other side of’. If you are cisgender, you still identify as the gender you were assigned at birth. If you are transgender, you identify as something other than the gender you were assigned at birth. Most people will just call themselves cis or trans when talking about their gender identity.

Non-binary

A person whose gender is not male or female. Non-binary can be used as a label for a person's gender or as an umbrella term.

Gender Nonconformity & Gender Variance

Terms used to describe someone whose behavior or gender expression does not match masculine or feminine gender norms. A person who is gender nonconforming may or may not be transgender. An example of a gender nonconforming person is a man who wears dresses and makeup.

Heteronormative & Cisnormative

The idea that being cisgender or heterosexual/straight is the preferred or normal mode of gender or sexual orientation.

Neopronouns

Pronouns other than “he,” “she,” “they” and “it.” Mainly used by transgender or non-binary people. Neopronouns have become more popular online, but have existed for a long time. Examples include xe/xem/xyr and zie/hir/hirs.

Mx.

An honorific used instead of “Mr.” or “Ms.” Mainly used by non-binary or gender nonconforming people. Pronounced “mix.”