Queer Definitions

! ! Terms, Definitions, and LabelsTerms ! ! and how we use them, can be very Terminology is important. The words we use, powerful. Knowing and understanding the meaning of the words we use improves communication and helps prevent misunderstandings. The following terms are not absolutely-defined. Rather, they provide a starting point for conversations. As always, listening is the key to understanding. Every thorough discussion about the queer community starts with terminology. Some of this terminology may be confusing or surprising; please do not hesitate to ask for clarification. This is a partial list of terms you may encounter. New language and terms emerge as our understanding of these topics changes and evolves. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Affectional (Romantic) Orientation Ally Refers to variations in object of emotional and sexual attraction. The term is preferred by some over “sexual orientation” because it indicates that the feelings and commitments involved are not solely (or even primarily, for some people) sexual. The term stresses the affective emotional component of attractions and relationships, regardless of orientation. An individual whose attitudes and behavior are supportive and affirming of all genders and sexual orientations and who is active in combating homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and cissexism both personally and institutionally. Androgyny Asexual Displaying physical and social characteristics identified in this culture as both feminine and masculine to the degree that the person’s outward appearance and mannerisms make it difficult to determine their assigned sex. A person who doesn't experience sexual attraction or who has low or no interest in sexual activity. Unlike celibacy, an action that people choose, asexuality is a sexual identity. There is considerable diversity among the asexual community; each asexual person experiences things like relationships, attraction, and arousal somewhat differently. Assigned Sex Bicurious The sex that was recorded on a person’s birth certificate. A person’s assigned sex is generally determined by a cursory visual inspection of an infant’s external genitalia and may or may not be congruent with the person’s gender identity or with other biological markers of sex such as chromosomes and internal reproductive structures. A term used to describe a person who identifies as heterosexual or homosexual but experiences some thoughts or visions about engaging in intimate relationships with a gender other than the one to which they are primarily attracted. Biological Sex Biphobia/Binegativity The dichotomous distinction between female and male, based on physiological characteristics, especially chromosomes and external genitalia. The medical construction of "biological sex" erases the existence of intersex people, who do not fit neatly into the categories of male and female. Aversion toward, discrimination against, or strong disapproval or hatred of bisexuals. Biphobia exists within the lesbian and gay community as well as general society. Bisexual/Bi Camp A person who has sexual and emotional relationships with or feelings towards both women and men, although not necessarily at the same time. In LGBTQQIAA circles, people (especially gay men) may be described as “camp” or “campy” if they behave in a manner that exaggerates gay mannerisms or stereotypes. Such exaggeration is often powerful in its ability to reveal the absurdity of gender expectations. Cisgender Cissexism/Cisnormativity Not transgender, that is, having a gender identity or gender role that society considers appropriate for the sex one was assigned at birth. Often shortened to “cis,” which is pronounced “sis.” A set of attitudes that is consistent with the belief that cisgender people are superior to transgender people psychologically, socially and morally. This serves to create an invisibility or lack of validation and representation for transgender people. ! Closeted/In the Closet Coming Out (Of the Closet)/Being Out The confining state of being secretive about one’s true gender identity and/or sexual orientation. A person may feel compelled to be closeted in order to keep a job, housing situation, family/ friends, or for their safety. Many LGBTQQIAA individuals are “out” in some situations and “closeted” in others. Refers to the process through which a person acknowledges, accepts, and learns to appreciate her or his lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender identity. Sharing this information with others is not a single event but instead a lifelong process. Cross-dressing Down Low (“DL”) Wearing clothing not usually associated with one’s birth sex. People may cross-dress for a variety of reasons including personal expression, sexual gratification, entertainment, or expressing ones’ gender identity. A term (“on the down low”) used to refer men who are in relationships with women, but who engage in clandestine sex with men. Typically, these men do not identify themselves as gay or bisexual. The term originated in the African-American community but the behavior is not unique to any race, ethnicity, or culture. Drag Dyke (Also Drag King, Drag Queen, Female/ Male Impersonator) - wearing the clothing of another gender, often with exaggerated cultural/stereotypical gender characteristics. Individuals may identify as Drag Kings (female in drag) or Drag Queens (male in drag). Drag often refers to cross-dressing for purposes such as entertainment, performance or self-expression. Once known as a derogatory term for lesbian, the term was reclaimed by lesbians in the 1970s. Today, many lesbians refer to themselves as dykes and proudly use the word. Because of its history as a pejorative term, nonlesbians should be cautious in using the term. Effeminate Faggot/Fag Used to identify a person (usually male) who expresses and/or presents culturally/ stereotypically feminine characteristics. This is often viewed as a culturally negative term. A derogatory word frequently used to denote a gay male. This term came into use in times of witch burning, when gay men were thought to be the assistants of witches and their bodies used as fuel for the fires that burned witches. Fag Hag Family A term sometimes regarded as derogatory, used to describe women who prefer the social company of gay men. A term widely used by LGBTQQIAA persons to identify other LGBTQQIAA people Family of Orientation (Choice) Family of Origin Persons forming an individual’s social, emotional, and practical support network and often fulfilling the functions of blood relations. Many LGBTQQIAA people are rejected when their families learn of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or they may remain “closeted” to their biological relatives. In such cases, it is their partner/ significant other and close friends who will be called on in time of illness or personal crisis. The biological family, or the family in which one was raised. These individuals may or may not be part of a person’s support system. Femme FTM/F2M Generally used to describe a person who expresses and/or presents culturally/ stereotypically feminine characteristics. This term is also used to describe a specific lesbian identity (ie. butch/femme) Use the term with caution since in some contexts it can be perceived as offensive. Abbreviation for Female-to-Male. A term that refers to male-identified people who were categorized as female at birth. (See also MTF and Transgender.) Gay Gender Used to describe a man who is romantically, sexually, and/or affectionally attracted to men, although not all men who engage in sexual relations with other men identify themselves as “gay.” The term is sometimes used to refer to the LGB community as a whole, although many women prefer to be identified as “lesbian” instead of “gay.” A term used to describe the social status of people as men, women, boys, girls, or variously transgender, including characteristics of masculinity and femininity that are learned or chosen. A person’s assigned sex does not always match their gender (see Transgender), and many people display traits of more than one gender. Gender is different from sexuality. Gender Bending Gender Binary Blurring the binary gender roles. Recognizes only two genders and regulates behavior within narrowly male or female expectations. Enforces the idea is that all males should be man-identified and masculine, and all females should be woman-identified and feminine. Gender Dysphoria Gender Expression An intense, continuous discomfort resulting from an individual’s belief in the inappropriateness of their assigned sex at birth and resulting gender role expectations. The external presentation of a person’s gender (e.g. dress, mannerisms, hair style, speech, etc.). One’s gender expression may differ from one’s gender identity. Gender Identity Gender Identity Disorder An individual's internal understanding of oneself as a woman, man, transgender, genderqueer, etc. This may or may not match one's gender expression or the way that other people perceive one's gender. See Gender. A clinical, psychological diagnosis which is often required to receive surgical and/or hormonal sex reassignment. Many in transgender communities object to this requirement, viewing it as unnecessary and potentially stigmatizing. Gender-neutral/Gender-free Pronouns Pronouns which do not associate a gender with the person or creature being discussed. The English language has no truly gender-neutral third person pronoun available, and women especially have criticized this, as many writers use “he” when referring to a generic individual in the third person. In addition, the dichotomy of “he and she” in English does not leave room for other gender identities, a source of frustration to the transgender and gender-queer communities. People who are limited by languages which do not include gender neutral pronouns have attempted to create them, in the interest of greater equality. Some examples are “them” or “hir” for “him/her” and “they” or “ze” for “he/she.” Gender Normative/Gender Conforming Genderqueer A person who conforms to genderbased societal expectations. Identity adopted by some trans people who blur the lines of the gender binary or embrace gender fluidity. They may identify as a man, woman, both, or neither. Gender Roles Heterosexism/Heteronormativity The socially constructed and culturally specific behavior and appearance expectations imposed on women (femininity) and men (masculinity). A set of attitudes that is consistent with the belief that heterosexuality is a superior psychological, social and moral stance. This serves to create an invisibility or lack of validation and representation for people/relationships that are not heterosexual. Heterosexuality Heterosexual Privilege A sexual orientation in which a person feels physically and emotionally attracted to people of the “opposite” sex. The benefits and advantages heterosexuals receive in a heterosexist culture; for example, marriage. Also, the benefits lesbians, gay men, and bisexual people receive as a result of claiming or denying homosexual or bisexual identity. Homonegativity Homophobia General disregard and dislike toward LGBTQQIA people. Fear or hatred of those assumed to be LGBTQQIAA and their culture. It is a fear of homosexuality, either in other people or within oneself. This term represents a most extreme set of negative attitudes and beliefs and includes overt threats or expressions of hostility/ violence. It occurs on personal, institutional, and societal levels. See also: Heterosexism. Homosexual Hormone Therapy/Hormonal Sex Reassignment A sexual orientation in which a person feels physically and emotionally attracted to people of the same sex. This “clinical” term originated in the 1800s and is not used within the gay and lesbian community. Administration of hormones to affect the development of secondary sex characteristics. May be temporary or lifelong. Androgens (testosterone) are used for female to males, and estrogens are used for male to females. In the Closet Internalized Homo/Bi/Transphobia To be “in the closet” means to conceal one’s sexual orientation for fear of losing a job, a housing situation, relationships with family/friends/ community, or in some other way to survive. Many LGBTQQIAA individuals are “out” in some situations and “closeted” in others. The fear and self-hate of one’s own homosexuality, bisexuality and/or transgender identity in individuals who have learned negative ideas about these groups throughout childhood. One form of internalized oppression is the acceptance of the myths and stereotypes applied to the oppressed group. It can result in depression, alienation, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, suicide. Intersex A person born with sex chromosomes, external genitalia, or an internal reproductive system that is not considered medically standard for either male or female. The gender identity and sexual orientation of these people varies as it does with non-intersex people. The older term “hermaphrodite” is considered to be offensive. Although intersex conditions are relatively common, intersex infants often have their sex chosen for them shortly after birth. This is sometimes referred to as “assigned sex.” Assigning a sex to an intersex infant may involve surgical procedures to align the appearance of the genitals to the medical standard for either male or female. This practice has been criticized by many in the intersex community and remains a point of contention and controversy. Kinsey Scale The continuum model devised by Alfred Kinsey in 1948 that plotted sexuality from 0 to 6; 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual. It was the first scale to account for bisexuality. According to a 1954 survey using the scale, 70% of people fell between 1 and 5. It’s been criticized for being too linear and only accounting for behavior and not sexual identity. (Note: The Klein Sexual Orientation Grid developed by Dr. Fritz Klein attempts to further measure various dimensions of sexual orientation by expanding on the Kinsey Scale by incorporating sexual attraction, behavior, fantasies, emotional preference, social preference, lifestyle, and self-identification.) Lesbian Lipstick Lesbian Preferred term for a woman who is romantically, sexually, and/or affectionally attracted to women. The name is taken from the island of Lesbos where Sappho, the great women-loving poet of 600 BC lived. Many women who love women adopt this name with pride. A somewhat outmoded term to refer to lesbians who present a very feminine appearance (e.g., wearing makeup, dresses/skirts, etc.). It is sometimes used to refer to a lesbian who is seen as automatically passing for heterosexual. MTF/M2F Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Abbreviation for Male-to-Female. A term that refers to female-identified people who were categorized as male at birth. This term is often used when discussing sexual behavior and sexual health. It is inclusive of all men who participate in this behavior regardless of how they identify their sexual orientation. The abbreviation MSM is conventionally used in professional literature. Metrosexual Non-Op (also Non-Operative) A term popularized in the 1990s referring to a heterosexual male who assumes characteristics traditionally associated with gay male stereotypes. While the term seems to imply a shift in sexual orientation it more accurately reflects a loosening of restrictions around male gender role adherence and is not related to sexuality. A term to describe a transgender person who does not plan to have sex reassignment surgery. Outing Partner or Significant Other Publicly revealing the sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status of an individual who has chosen to keep that information private. Some activists, political groups, and media believe outing is justified and/or newsworthy when the person involved works against the interests of LGBTQQIAA people. Others oppose it entirely as an invasion of privacy. Primary domestic partner or spousal relationship(s). May also be referred to as girlfriend/boyfriend, lover, roommate, life partner, wife/husband, or other terms. Pangender/Omnigender/Polygender Pansexual/Omnisexual/Polysexual A person whose gender identity is comprised of all or many genders. A person who is attracted to all or many genders or gender expressions. Passing Pink Triangle Being taken for a member of the dominant group – white, straight, cisgender (non- transgender), for example. LGBTQQIAA people who have the ability to pass can choose to conceal the stigma associated with being a member of a sexual minority. An inverted triangle adopted by lesbian and gay culture starting in the 1970s in remembrance of gay men who were forced to wear pink triangles in Nazi concentration camps. Lesbians often wore the red and black triangles. Pre-Op (also Pre-Operative) Post-Op (also Post-Operative) Transsexual individuals who have not undergone sex reassignment surgery, but who desire to and are seeking that as an option. They may or may not “cross-live” full-time and may or may not take hormone therapy. They may also seek surgery to change secondary sex characteristics. Transsexual individuals who have undergone sex reassignment surgery, and/or other surgeries to change secondary-sex characteristics such as breasts, chest, Adam’s apple, or body contours. Pride Pride March/Pride Parade A healthy self-respect, which, in the context of the gay community, promotes empowerment, education, safe living, and the sense that it is “okay to be gay.” A public procession or parade of the LGBTQQIAA community and their allies to proclaim pride, solidarity, and unity. Queer Originally a perjorative word, this term has slowly been reclaimed starting in the 1990s with the emergence of Queer Theory. Usually this term is used as a selfaffirming umbrella term for the LGBTQIA community. Additionally, some individuals use "queer" as a separatist, non-assimilationist, politicized identity. Caution: Still offensive when used as an epithet, especially among older people. Questioning A process whereby an individual is reassessing his or her sexual orientation and/or gender identity. A person who is “questioning” may be unsure of their identity or still exploring their feelings. Rainbow Flag Designed in 1978 in San Francisco by artist Gilbert Baker signifying the diversity and unity of the LGBTQQIAA movement. Originally, there were eight colors in the flag; pink for sexuality, red for light, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for natural serenity, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. In 1979, the flag was modified to its current six-stripe format (pink was omitted; blue substituted for turquoise and indigo, and violet became rich purple). Same Gender Loving (SGL) Sex A term used often by LGBTQIA African-Americans as a less stigmatized description for one's sexual orientation. It helps provide an identity not marginalized by racism within the gay community or heterosexism in society. The biological (anatomical, hormonal, or genetic) traits used to categorize someone as either male, female or intersex. Sexism Sexuality The societal/cultural, institutional, and individual beliefs and practices that privilege men, subordinate women, and denigrate women-identified values. “Who you like and what you do.” Sexuality is distinct from gender identity and sex. Generally speaking, human sexuality is how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings and encompasses an array of social activities and an abundance of behaviors. Sexual Identity Sexual Minority Sexual identity is identifying, claiming, and owning a part of the self associated with one’s sexual orientation or sexuality. Sexual identity may mean identifying as a member of the LGBTQIA community. A group whose sexual identity, orientation or practices differ from the dominant group in the surrounding society. Sexual Orientation Sexual Preference A person’s emotional, physical, and sexual attraction and the expression of that attraction with other individuals. The term “sexual orientation” is preferred over “sexual preference.” The latter term implies a choice and sexual attraction is not generally considered a choice. A misleading term that conveys the idea that sexual orientation is always a choice. “Sexual orientation” is used more often and more accurate. Avoid using this term. Sex Reassignment Surgery Straight Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is permanent surgical body modification that seeks to attain congruence between one’s body and one’s gender identity. For example: chest reconstruction or genital reconstruction. (Sometimes known as Gender Reassignment Surgery). A term originating in the gay community to describe heterosexuals. Straight-Acting Stonewall A term, usually applied to gay men, who readily pass as heterosexual. The term implies that there is a stereotypical way gay men act that is significantly different from heterosexual men. The site of several nights of violent protests following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn (a prominent gay bar) on June 28, 1969 in New York City. Although not the nation’s first gayrights demonstration, Stonewall is regarded as the birth of the modern LGBTQIA movement. Tranny Usually a pejorative term used for a transgender person, although some transgender people have reclaimed the term. Transition The process of a transgender individual changing his or her gender presentation in society. Transitioning often includes changes in name, clothing and appearance and may include anatomical changes. Transitioning is sometimes confused with sexual reassignment surgery (SRS) which is only one element of transitioning. Many people who transition choose not to have SRS. Whereas SRS is a surgical procedure, transitioning is more holistic and can encompass physical, psychological, social, legal, and emotional changes. Some genderqueer and intersex people have little or no desire to undergo surgery to change their body but will transition in other ways. Transgender/Trans A term for people who challenge society’s view of gender as fixed, unmoving, dichotomous, and inextricably linked to one’s biological sex. Gender is more accurately viewed as a spectrum, rather than a polarized, dichotomous construct. This is a broad term that encompasses cross-dressers, intersex people, gender benders, transsexuals and those who defy societal gender roles. The sexual orientation of transgender people varies just as it does among cisgender people. Trans Man/Transmasculine Transphobia/Transnegativity Identity label preferred by some female-to-male transgender people. Genderqueer and gender nonconfirming people who were assigned female at birth and now adopt a more masculine gender expression may also identify as transmasculine. Aversion, strong disapproval, hatred and/or discrimination against people who break or blur gender roles and sex characteristics. Like biphobia, it is prevalent in both straight and gay/ lesbian communities. Transsexual Trans Woman/Transfeminine Individuals whose assigned sex at birth does not match their gender identity and who, through sex reassignment surgery and hormone treatments may seek to change their physical body to match their gender identity. Transsexual individuals’sexual orientation can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or anywhere on the continuum. Identity label preferred by some maleto-female transgender people. Genderqueer and gender nonconforming people who were assigned male at birth and now adopt a more feminine gender expression may also identify as transfeminine. Transvestite Generally a derogatory term to refer to a person who dresses in clothes traditionally associated with persons of a different gender. “Cross-dresser” is the preferred term. Two-Spirit/Twin Spirit Native American concept present in some indigenous cultures across North America and parts of Central and South America. It is a term of reverence, traditionally referring to people who display both masculine and feminine sex or gender characteristics, as well as manly hearted women who have lived a heterosexual life and produced children and after the death of her husband take female-lovers and are accepted by the community in that role. Named “berdache” by European colonists, those who are Two-Spirited are and were traditionally respected and may be healers or leaders thought to possess a high spiritual development. Ze (pronounced “zee”)/Hir (pronounced “here”) Two examples of alternate genderneutral pronouns in lieu of “he/she” or “his/her”. ! ! ! ! ! !