LGBTQ+

Transition

noun – A term referring to the process of shifting towards a gender role different from that typically associated with one’s sex assigned at birth, which can include social transition (such as new names, pronouns, and clothing) and/or medical transition (such as hormone therapy or surgery).

References

American Psychological Association. (2018, September). Defining transgender terms. Monitor on Psychology, 49(8). http://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/09/ce-corner-glossary

Agender

adj – A term used to describe someone who does not identify themselves as having a particular gender; someone who is neither cisgender nor transgender.

Trauma-informed care

Examination and treatment of a patient that takes into account past violence and stress, to avoid re-traumatizing the patient. This approach validates patient control about their treatment options and creates a safe clinical environment.

Heteronormativity

The belief that men and women are attracted mostly to one another; based on a societal assumption of only two genders (men and women).

Personal pronouns

One important expression of gender is through the use of personal pronouns—for example, she/her/hers, he/him/his, or they/them/theirs. Pronouns matter. You may have heard the phrase preferred pronouns. While well intentioned, the modifier of preferred can be diminishing—as pronouns describe identity, and are not a preference. Making assumptions about someone’s pronouns, even if correct, may be offensive or hurtful. Offering your pronouns when meeting new students contributes to a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. 

Examples:

  1. She/Her/Hers/Herself
  2. He/Him/His/Himself
  3. They/Them/Their/Theirs/Themself/Themselves
    1. Though this is singular, when combined with verbs, those are typically conjugated as if it were plural. E.g., “They love this book.”
  4. Ze/Hir/Hirs/Hirself
    1. Pronounced  “zee” / “here” / “heres” / ”hereself”
  5. Titles:
    1. Ms., Mr., Mx. (pronounced “Mix”)

Homosexual

noun or adj – describes a person who is mostly or exclusively attracted to partners of the same gender as their own. More often, the terms gay, lesbian, or queer are used to refer to homosexual people.

Straight

noun or adj – colloquially describes a person who is mostly or exclusively attracted to partners of a different gender than their own. Synonymous with the term heterosexual

Heterosexual

noun or adj – A term used to describe a person who is mostly or exclusively attracted to partners of a different gender than their own. More often, the term straight is used colloquially to refer to heterosexual people.