Glossary

Bisexual: attraction to multiple genders. Some bi people also describe it as ‘attraction to two or more genders’ or ‘attraction to one’s own gender and other genders’. Bisexual is not limited to the gender binary and doesn’t exclude non-binary people.

Biromantic: romantic attraction to multiple genders.

Biphobia: oppression of bi people, including systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Transgender or gender diverse: someone who doesn’t fully and exclusively identify with the gender they were assigned at birth

Cisgender: someone who does fully and exclusively identify with the gender they were assigned at birth

Non-binary: a specific gender and an umbrella term for genders that fit beyond the gender binary

Transphobia: oppression of trans people. This includes systemic discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Gender: part of a person’s individual sense of self and how they identify

LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Aromantic. Other versions of this acronym exist including LGBT, LGBTI, LGBTQ, and others. When using one of these acronyms make sure it’s accurate, e.g., if a project or resource is listed as an LGBTQIA project it needs to meaningfully include every part of that acronym. If a project or resource is for a specific part of the community it’s best to say that.

Queer: a specific identity and an umbrella term for identities other than cisgender and straight. Queer has a history as a slur but many people have chosen to reclaim it.

Questioning: refers to people who are still figuring out what their sexuality, orientation and/or gender is.

Sexuality or Orientation: which genders someone does or doesn’t have the potential to be attracted to

WSMW
Women who have sex with men and women. This term is used, particularly in research, to describe sexual behaviour as distinct from sexual orientation.

WSW
Women who have sex with women. This term is used, particularly in research, to describe sexual behaviour as distinct from sexual orientation.

MSM
Men who have sex with men. This term is used, particularly in research, to describe sexual behaviour as distinct from sexual orientation.

MSMW
Men who have sex with men and women. This term is used, particularly in research, to describe sexual behaviour as distinct from sexual orientation.

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