Periodic table of elements

The sex listed on the birth certificate, usually determined by the appearance of external or internal sex organs. Sex assigned at birth is generally male or female, but may also be intersex. Category: Alignment

A clinical diagnosis that describes the distress caused by the mismatch between a person's sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. It is often characterized by internal discomfort, anxiety and/or irritability resulting from this incongruence and societal expectations around gender, the body and identity.

A person whose gender identity matches the gender and sex assigned to them at birth.

A system that classifies humanity into two mutually exclusive genders: male and female. This system fails to recognize human diversity and excludes intersex, trans and non-binary individuals.

Refers to the physical and sexual attraction a person feels toward others, either depending on or independent of their gender identity. The term “sexual orientation” is increasingly replaced by “sexual attraction.” Sexual and romantic orientation may also differ, as emotional and physical attraction don't always align.

A person who is sexually attracted to themselves.

An asexual person feels little or no sexual attraction. This is an umbrella term that includes a spectrum of experiences. Some people feel attraction only after forming a strong emotional bond, while others may never feel it at all.

A person who feels attraction toward people of two genders. While often described as attraction to men and women, bisexuality is not limited to these identities and may include non-binary people.

A person whose gender identity or sexual orientation is shifting or not restricted to traditional definitions of male or female.

People in minority groups experience additional stress that the dominant group does not. This added burden, called minority stress, stems from prejudice, stigma and discrimination.

The process of changing from one gender to another. It can include social (e.g., pronoun changes), physical (appearance, style) and/or medical (hormones, surgery) elements. The process varies from person to person and all transitions are valid.

An umbrella term for a person whose gender identity does not match the gender assigned to them at birth. The word “trans” includes “transgender” and “transsexual,” which are now considered outdated. Not to be confused with cross-dresser.

A societal system, framework, or unconscious bias that assumes everyone is—or should be—cisgender and that being cisgender is superior to other identities. Gender-diverse people are often viewed as invalid, pathological, or even imaginary within a cisnormative system.

A sexual orientation on the asexual spectrum in which a person only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong emotional connection.

A woman who experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction to other women. Often preferred over the term “homosexual” due to its clinical or overly sexual connotations.

A person who is attracted to others of the same gender. This typically refers to a man attracted to other men, though “gay” can refer more broadly to people attracted to their own gender, including women. The term “gay” is preferred over “homosexual.”

A person who is only attracted to individuals of a different gender than their own.

A person who experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction to individuals of all genders. Unlike pansexuality, omnisexuality acknowledges gender differences and the attraction may vary depending on a person’s gender identity.

A relationship structure in which a person is involved with only one partner at a time.

A relationship dynamic involving multiple romantic, emotional and/or sexual partners. Polyamorous relationships are based on open, honest communication and informed consent. These relationships may be interconnected or entirely separate. Polyamory is practised by people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

A spectrum of gender identities and expressions that do not fall exclusively within the binary categories of male or female.

Discrimination against trans people or those with gender-diverse identities and expressions. Cissexism includes the assumption that everyone is cisgender and creates systemic barriers for those who do not fit dominant gender expectations.

A sociopolitical and cultural system that prioritizes men and masculinity at the expense of women and femininity. Patriarchy reinforces limiting gender roles and contributes to the economic subordination of women.

An analytical framework that considers how a person’s experience is shaped by overlapping identities—such as sex, gender, race, ethnicity, social class, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, body type, nationality, religion and beliefs—and how these identities interact to produce unique forms of discrimination.

Harmful acts directed at individuals or groups based on their gender identity. Rooted in gender inequality, abuse of power and harmful norms, gender-based violence also includes violence against 2SLGBTQ+ communities and reflects societal enforcement of masculine, feminine and gender norms.

A belief about individuals based on their actual or assumed membership in a group. Stereotypes influence how we perceive others and can lead to biased assumptions and unfair treatment.

The way a person publicly presents their gender (e.g., through behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, or makeup). Common gender expressions also include the use of a chosen name and pronouns. Gender expression is distinct from gender identity.

How a person experiences their gender internally—whether as a man, a woman, somewhere in between, or neither. Gender identity is unique to each individual, is not determined by biological sex and may differ from the gender assigned at birth.

A non-binary person who does not identify with any gender, or for whom the concept of gender identity has no personal significance.

A person whose gender identity and/or gender expression is between masculinity and femininity.

A person whose gender identity includes two genders, either simultaneously or alternately.

Refers to a person assigned female at birth who presents in a traditionally masculine way (e.g., appearance, clothing, attitude). This term has historically been used in a pejorative way, so it should only be used when a person self-identifies with it.

Attraction to people regardless of their gender identity. A pansexual person may be physically and sexually attracted to people of all gender identities.

A person who refuses to label or define themselves by any specific sexual orientation.

A person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others. Aromantic people may still form meaningful, often platonic, emotional bonds. Being aromantic does not necessarily mean being asexual. People on this spectrum are often referred to as “aro.”

A person who feels romantic love for themselves, in a similar way to how they might love another person. Often associated with autosexuality.

A person who is interested in having romantic and/or sexual experiences with people of a gender different from those they usually engage with, without identifying as bisexual.

Refers to two people who live together as a couple without being legally married.

A social system in which a person may enter into multiple legally recognized unions at the same time.

A group of individuals someone considers family because they provide emotional and/or material support, particularly when the person has no contact with, or feels rejected by, their family of origin—often due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

A set of norms, stereotypes and customs based on the assumption that everyone experiences sexual attraction. Allosexism privileges those who do and marginalizes people on the asexual spectrum.

Culturally defined behaviours, attitudes, interests and occupations considered appropriate for a given gender.

Negative attitudes or discrimination—whether direct or indirect—toward trans people, cross-dressers, or anyone who challenges gender or sex norms.

Negative attitudes toward homosexuality that may lead to discrimination—either direct or indirect—against gay, lesbian, or bisexual people, or those perceived to be.

Negative attitudes toward bisexual people, which can result in discrimination from both heterosexual individuals and members of the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is often rooted in misconceptions (e.g., that bisexual people are indecisive, unfaithful, or overly sexual).

Negative attitudes that can lead to discrimination—direct or indirect—against lesbian or bisexual women, or those perceived as such. Lesbophobia may include invalidating lesbian relationships, denying the legitimacy of lesbian identities, or hypersexualizing lesbianism. It may be expressed by both heterosexual/cisgender people and individuals within 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

The act of voluntarily revealing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others. Derived from the English verb “to come out,” the process often begins with close friends or family and may unfold gradually over time.

A person whose gender identity is partially aligned with a specific gender. For example, a demigirl identifies partly as a woman and partly as another gender.

An umbrella term used by some Indigenous people to describe those who embody both masculine and feminine spirits and who may fulfill diverse gender roles for spiritual, cultural, ceremonial, or personal reasons. Represented by the “2S” in 2SLGBTQ+.

Short for “feminine,” fem refers to someone on the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum who displays traits that are stereotypically associated with femininity.

A person whose gender identity may not align with societal expectations. They may identify with either male and female genders, a blend of the two, or none at all—rejecting binary gender norms entirely.

A person whose gender identity encompasses all genders. They may experience all genders at once, or treat them as building blocks of one composite identity.

A person who experiences romantic attraction toward individuals of two genders. While often defined as attraction to men and women, it can also include non-binary identities.

A person who only experiences romantic attraction in the context of a very strong emotional bond, such as a close friendship.

An acronym used in public health to describe sexual behaviour rather than identity. It includes men who engage in sexual activity with other men but may identify as heterosexual (e.g., married men, sex workers).

A person who feels romantic attraction toward people of all gender identities, regardless of gender.

A romantic orientation where a person may develop romantic relationships with more than one person, with the informed consent of everyone involved.

Beliefs or actions that establish, reinforce, or perpetuate racial superiority or dominance of one group over another.

Discrimination or exclusion based on a person’s physical, mental, intellectual, or neurodivergent abilities. Ableism is often expressed through stigma or systemic barriers that limit access to resources and opportunities.

Discrimination against people with disabilities, whether physical or mental. Ableism assumes that able-bodied individuals are the norm and that those who are not are therefore inferior.

Also known as heterosexism, this is the belief that everyone is or should be heterosexual and that heterosexuality is fundamentally superior because it conforms to social norms. It is often the root of homophobia.

Using the wrong name, pronouns, or gendered language when referring to someone, whether intentionally or not.

Practices, behaviours, or policies shaped by systems and structures that, driven by prejudice and stereotypes, lead to the exclusion of specific groups. In the context of sexual and gender diversity, this may result in reduced or inequitable access to healthcare and services.

A seemingly minor comment or action that is perceived as hurtful or offensive—typically targeting someone from a marginalized group.

Implicit assumptions—either favourable or unfavourable—about individuals or groups, influenced by factors such as appearance, age, race, gender, ability, or religion.

Discrimination based on sex or, more broadly, on gender. Rooted in stereotypes, gender roles and the belief that one gender is inherently superior.

The name assigned at birth to a trans or non-binary person that they no longer use.

Negative attitudes toward non-binary individuals, including invalidation, rejection, verbal or physical violence and social exclusion. A common example is pressuring non-binary people to adopt an androgynous appearance to be recognized.

A person who is exploring or uncertain about their sexual orientation or gender identity. This process can happen at any age.

A person who identifies with a gender identity or sexual orientation outside of the norm or as fluid. It can also be used as an umbrella term (e.g. “queer culture”). Note: although reclaimed by many, “queer” was originally a slur and some still find it uncomfortable. Use with caution and respect.

A person who occasionally presents as a gender different from their own, without necessarily identifying with that gender. For example, a man who sometimes wears dresses. This is a behaviour, not a gender identity or sexual orientation.

A performer who adopts a different gender role through a character—often exaggerated or humorous—for artistic, entertainment, or parody purposes. Drag is a performance, not a gender identity or sexual orientation.

A person who is sexually attracted to intelligence. This may include admiration for how someone speaks, thinks, works, or creates. Sapiosexual individuals are often drawn to mentally stimulating conversations or a specific sense of humour and tend to value intellect more than physical appearance.

A person born with primary or secondary sex characteristics (genital, hormonal, gonadal and/or chromosomal) that do not fit typical medical definitions of “male” or “female.”

The process of socioeconomically transforming a working-class neighbourhood, often leading to the displacement of existing residents. Gentrification can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

Unearned and unfair advantages granted by society to individuals perceived to conform to dominant norms. Privilege often manifests as the absence of obstacles tied to social identity (e.g., white privilege, heterosexual privilege).

An acronym for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Refers to racialized individuals, including Black people, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other people of colour.

Discrimination based on actual or perceived socioeconomic status. It includes both individual biases and systemic barriers that favour the upper class over people who are poor or low-income.

Discrimination or exclusion based on age, often affecting those perceived as either too young or too old.

A belief system that promotes controlling or shaping human populations based on genetics, often through selective reproduction.

The expansion and imposition of European sociopolitical and cultural systems onto lands already inhabited by Indigenous peoples, for the purpose of acquiring territory and resources. Colonialism often involves the suppression of Indigenous languages, cultures and ways of life.

The process of removing all sexual connotations from a concept or context.

Typically a heterosexual and cisgender person who supports people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions in their well-being and social acceptance. An ally can also be someone within the 2SLGBTQ+ community who supports groups other than their own (e.g., a lesbian who is an ally to trans people).