Other 2SLGBTQ+ Terms

The following terms involve concepts that are useful in understanding and supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

For “The Big Four” concepts that will help you understand these terms, click here. For terms that describe identity click here.

the system of thought which believes are only two genders (man and woman) or that there are only two sexes (male and female).

— The gender binary excludes people who are non-binary or trans.
— The sex binary excludes people who are intersex.

BIPHOBIA

Negative stereotypes and attitudes targeted at bisexual people.

— Importantly, “biphobia” describes the unique prejudices faced by bisexual people that differ from homophobia.
— READ: “Two Sides of the Same Coin” by Michelle

A cultural system in which being cisgender is considered the normal OR DEFAULT WAY of being.

— An example of cisnormativity might be when there are only “men’s” and “women’s” washrooms in a building. This assumes that everyone identifies as either a man or a woman.
— READ: “Cisnormativity” as described by Jamaica Bridgett

the process by which someone reveals their 2SLGBTQ+ identity.

— This is also sometimes referred to as “coming out of the closet”.
— Coming out is rarely a one-time event; it is often a continuous decision throughout life with each new friend, family member, or coworker.
— A person may be “out” to everyone, to some people and not others, or “out” to only themselves. There are many reasons why someone may not come out, and this does not mean they are less 2SLGBTQ+.
— SEE: “Untitled” story and illustration by L.A. Hodge
— WATCH: “Coming out” as described by Jeffery Kingsley

DRAG

The act of dressing up in a different gender expression, often FOR FUN OR as performance art.

— “Drag queens” are people for whom drag means becoming more feminine, while “drag kings” are those for whom drag means becoming more masculine.
— Drag performance, events, and competitions have a rich history that goes back decades.
— People who do drag are not necessarily trans.
— The term “transvestite” is related, but is uncommon today and many consider it to be a slur.

physical characteristics, emotional characteristics, AND GENDER EXPRESSION associated with “being a woman”.

— Societal gender roles often expect men to be “masculine” and women to be “feminine”.
— What is considered “feminine” and “masculine” varies historically and from culture to culture.
— In the 2SLGBTQ+ community, the words “femme” and “fem” are sometimes used to describe a feminine expression.

Indicates THAT SOMETHING is associated with a particular gender or sex.

— Toys, colours, and clothing are often gendered or seen as being either “for boys” or “for girls”.
— Language can be gendered as well. Terms like “ladies and gentlemen” address certain genders specifically.

Indicates thaT SOMETHING is not associated with aNY particular gender or sex.

— For example, gender-neutral bathrooms are bathrooms that anyone can use, regardless of their gender.

Negative personal feelings associated with being perceived as a gender that is not true to you, or having a body that does not feel true to your gender.

— Many trans people experience dysphoria, though not all do.
— Dysphoria can lead to distress and mental health complications.
— Dysphoria is often the reason some trans people choose to medically transition.
— READ: “Gender dysphoria” as described by Nad and Jamaica Bridgett

A cultural system in which being straight is considered the normal OR DEFAULT WAY of being.

— For example, asking a woman “do you have a boyfriend” assumes that she is straight, while asking “are you dating anyone” does not.
— A common form of heteronormativity is making assumptions about babies and young children regarding who they will be attracted to when they grow up.
— WATCH: “Heteronormatvity” as described by Diego Lorrén

Negative stereotypes and attitudes targeted at GAY AND LESBIAN PEOPLE, OR MORE BROADLY AT 2SLGBTQ+ people.

—WATCH: “Homophobia” as described by Diego Lorrén

physical characteristics, emotional characteristics, AND GENDER EXPRESSION associated with “being a MAN”.

— Societal gender roles expect men to be “masculine” and women to be “feminine”.
— What is considered “feminine” and “masculine” varies historically and from culture to culture.

MISGENDERING

Using the wrong pronouns or gendered language to describe someone.

— Many trans people experience misgendering on a daily basis. For example, calling a trans woman “he”, when she uses the pronoun “she”.
— This can cause dysphoria and have damaging effects on mental health.
— Misgendering can be intentional or accidental. If you accidentally misgender someone, correcting yourself going forward is one way to be an ally.

revealING SOMEONE ELSE’S 2SLGBTQ+ identity WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT OR PERMISSION.

— Outing can be uncomfortable or dangerous to the person being “outed”.
— SEE: “Outing” comic by Celine Galluzo.
— WATCH: “Outing” as described by Celine Galluzo

Small words used to refer to people without using their name (For example, “she”)

— Some common pronouns in English are “he/him” and “she/her”.
— Some people use gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them” or “ze/hir”.
— Many non-English languages don’t use gendered pronouns at all. In some languages that traditionally use only “he” and “she”, people are making new gender neutral pronouns.
— WATCH: “Pronouns” as described by Jeffery Kingsley
— READ: “Pronouns” as described by Nad

Indicates that a place or person is supportive of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

— Being “queer-friendly” is related to being an ally.
— WATCH: “Queer-friendly” as described by Celine Galluzo, Chloe Kirlew, Diego Lorrén, and Jeffery Kingsley
— READ: “Queer-friendly” as described by Nad

REPRESENTATION

The inclusion of an identity or culture in media and other aspects of society.

— Some examples of representation are the inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ characters on TV, the presence of 2SLGBTQ+ leaders in government, or the presence of 2SLGBTQ+ role models in a community.
— Without representation, 2SLGBTQ+ people can feel different and alone, or may not believe there are other people like them.
— Good representation can challenge stereotypes and change societal perspectives.
— Poor representation can reinforce stereotypes. For example, if the only representation of 2SLGBTQ+ people is of white people, then we may wrongly assume that 2SLGBTQ+ people are usually white.
— WATCH: “Representation” as described by Chloe Kirlew

The process by which a trans person changes the way they present themselves to more accurately reflect their gender and live their truth.

— Socially transitioning can involve changing one’s name, pronouns, or gender expression (for example, dressing or acting differently).
— Medical transition can involve hormone therapy (such as taking testosterone or estrogen), or having gender-confirming surgery to change body parts.
— Transition can mean different things for everyone. Not every trans person feels the need to transition.
— WATCH: “Transition” as described by Jeffery Kingsley

Negative stereotypes and attitudes targeted at trans PEOPLE.

— WATCH: “Transphobia” as described by Jeffery Kingsley