Why we use LGBTQIA+
Refers to people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Queer, Questioning, Pansexual, Two-Spirit or Hijra. We also include gender nonconforming, gender neutral, genderqueer and gender-fluid people within our terms.
LGBTQIA+ communities
We use this term because it is made up of lots of differing communities. Some of these terms may seem new, so we explain the terms that are less familiar below:
Asexual/Aromantic Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity, whereas Aromantic is the absence of romantic feelings towards another. These terms also reference those that exist in a spectrum of differing sexual and romantic attractions, such as greysexual, and are sometimes referred to as ‘aces.’
Gender fluid is a person whose gender identity (the gender they identify with most) is not fixed.
Non-binary is used to describe people who feel their gender cannot be defined within the margins of a gender binary. Sometimes referred to as ‘enbys’ which is phonetic pronunciation of NB.
Pansexual people are attracted to all genders, whereas bisexual people are attracted to multiple genders.
Trans describes people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, gender-queer (GQ), genderfluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, bi-gender, trans man, trans woman, trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois:
- AFAB means Assigned Female at Birth
- AMAB means Assigned Male at Birth
- Trans Masculine people who were assigned female at birth, but do not identify as female. A broad group of people who may identify as male, non-binary, agender, or ‘genderqueer’. People who identify as Trans Masculine may or may not seek medical assistance using hormones or surgery.
- Trans Feminine people who were assigned male at birth, but do not identify as male. A broad group of people who may identify as female, non-binary, agender, or ‘genderqueer’. People who identify as Trans Feminine may or may not seek medical assistance using hormones or surgery.
Two-Spirit is a modern, pan-Indian, umbrella term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe Native people in their communities who fulfil a traditional third-gender ceremonial and social role in their cultures.
Intersex is used to describe a wide range of natural body variations that do not fit neatly into conventional definitions of male or female. Intersex variations may include, but are not limited to, variations in chromosome compositions, hormone concentrations, and external and internal characteristics.
Cisgender is someone that identifies as the same gender that they were assigned at birth.
Queer is an all-encompassing term that many from the community choose to use to represent themselves. It’s reclaimed from a slur used to vilify them. Queer is also an identity, with some people from the communities feeling like other terms don’t adequately define their experience. This term is used interchangeably.
QTIPOC Queer Transgender and Intersex (the ‘I’ means Indigenous internationally) People of Colour is a term that encompasses LGBTQIA+ people from Black and Global Majority backgrounds.
Pronouns
Pronouns are used to refer to people’s gender in conversation for example, ‘he/him’ or ‘she/them’.
Some people may prefer others to refer to them in gender neutral language and use pronouns such as ‘they/them’ and ‘ze/zir’.
If you’re unsure what someone’s pronoun is, you can ask them respectfully, and preferably privately.
Use a question like ‘Can I ask what pronouns you use?’. Do not ask ‘What pronoun do you prefer?’.
A person’s pronoun and identity are not a preference. Instead, just ask what pronoun they use.