It is important to know that language is complex and evolves constantly. Many terms and phrases that are used by some LGBTQ+ people, might not be used by others.
Here are some terms to help you navigate the conversation:
LGBTQ+: LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. It refers to people who identify as one or more of these identities. Using the “+” sign at the end is a way of acknowledging people and experiences that do not fall under the LGBTQ umbrella.
Marriage Equality: The legal recognition of same-sex marriage, giving these couples the same legal rights and protections as opposite-sex couples.
Coming Out: The process of revealing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others.
Ally: A person who is not LGBTQ+ but supports and advocates for the rights and inclusion of the community.
Gender Identity: One’s sense of self as male, female, a blend of both, or neither.
Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Two-Spirit: “Two-Spirit’’ is a term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe individuals who possess both masculine and feminine spirits. Two-spirit comes from Ojibwe “niizh manidoowag’’ and has been adopted by other Indigenous communities.
Non-binary: A term for gender identities that do not fit within the traditional binary of male or female.
Pronouns: Words used to refer to a person, such as he/him, she/her, they/them.
Common-Law Relationship: A common-law relationship is an unmarried partnership where a couple lives together long-term without a legal ceremony. Before same-sex marriage was legal, the benefits of common-law relationships were not always extended to same-sex couples.
Here are some terms to help you navigate the conversation:
LGBTQ+: LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. It refers to people who identify as one or more of these identities. Using the “+” sign at the end is a way of acknowledging people and experiences that do not fall under the LGBTQ umbrella.
Marriage Equality: The legal recognition of same-sex marriage, giving these couples the same legal rights and protections as opposite-sex couples.
Coming Out: The process of revealing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others.
Ally: A person who is not LGBTQ+ but supports and advocates for the rights and inclusion of the community.
Gender Identity: One’s sense of self as male, female, a blend of both, or neither.
Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Two-Spirit: “Two-Spirit’’ is a term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe individuals who possess both masculine and feminine spirits. Two-spirit comes from Ojibwe “niizh manidoowag’’ and has been adopted by other Indigenous communities.
Non-binary: A term for gender identities that do not fit within the traditional binary of male or female.
Pronouns: Words used to refer to a person, such as he/him, she/her, they/them.
Common-Law Relationship: A common-law relationship is an unmarried partnership where a couple lives together long-term without a legal ceremony. Before same-sex marriage was legal, the benefits of common-law relationships were not always extended to same-sex couples.
Visit Us |
Resources |
|