WORDS MATTER

THIS GLOSSARY OF CONCEPTS KEY TO THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS DIVERSE AND VIBRANT WORLD

- CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

A

AGENDER

To identify as having no gender, neither male nor female (that is, gender-neutral). See also “non-binary”

ALLY

Someone who supports and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community, even if they don’t identify as LGBTQIA+. Allies help to create safe and inclusive spaces and work towards equality and acceptance for all.

ASEXUAL

Someone who does not experience sexual attraction to another person. Note: asexuality is not the same as celibacy (which is a choice to abstain from sex).

B

BISEXUAL

Describes someone attracted to both male and female. It is often misunderstood as attraction to only two genders, but it encompasses attraction to all genders.

C

CISGENDER

Describes someone with a gender identity, or gender behaviour, that corresponds to their assigned sex at birth. (Cis is the Latin term for "on the same side as".) The term is often used to emphasise the social privileges that these individuals experience because of their mainstream gender identity.

COMING OUT

The process of revealing one's LGBTQIA+ identity to others.

CRASH LANDING