top of page
LGBTQ+ Terminology

Cisgender

When a person’s gender identity matches their body and sex assigned at birth.

Gender Normative

Refers to when people conform to what is considered culturally appropriate feminine and masculine behaviour. 

Homophobia

Feelings of rage, hate, and disapproval of homosexuality. Homophobia can be manifested in numerous ways, such as verbally, emotionally, and through physical attacks. 

Pansexual

When a person is sexually, romantically, and emotionally attracted to people of all gender identities and sexes. 

Queer

An umbrella term for LGBTQ. Also a term of self-identification for people who do not identify with binary terms that describe sexual and gender identities. 

Coming Out

The process of coming to terms with one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity and disclosing it to others. Others typically assume heterosexuality and fixed gender states that fit into the binary of F and M, therefore, coming-out is an ongoing process.

Heteronormative

The belief that heterosexuality is the 'normal' sexual orientation. Also refers to the belief that female and male gender roles are fixed. 

Transphobia

Feelings of rage, hate, and disapproval towards transgender people or people who are gender-nonconforming. Transphobia can be manifested in numerous ways, such as verbally, emotionally, and through physical attacks. 

Two-Spirit

This term is culturally specific to the North American Aboriginal community and refers to queer Aboriginal people who identify as both a male and female spirit. This term is not exclusive to gender identity, and can also refer to sexual orientation. 

Sexual Identity

How a person identifies whom they are sexually and romantically attracted to (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, etc.)

LGBTQ

Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, and queer, questioning. 

Gender Identity

A person's deep internal feeling of whether they identify as being female, male, something in between, genderqueer, or something other. 

Transgender

An umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity does not match with the sex they were assigned at birth. This term can encompass those who identify as transsexual, genderqueer, cross-dresser, and whose gender identities challenge the gender norms. 

MTF

A person, who was assigned the male sex at birth, but identifies as female. Also, trans woman or transwoman. MTF is the acronym for Male-to-Female.

FTM

A person, who was assigned the female sex at birth, but identifies as male. Also, trans man or transman. FTM is the acronym for Female-to-Male.

Know more terminology? Let us know!

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page