Why is it important to be familiar with terms related to the LGBTQ+ community? Terms and definitions are highly personal to those who identify as a sexual minority; familiarizing oneself with them will show sensitivity and acceptance while diminishing the risk of unintentional microaggressions.
GENDER IDENTITY
This is the gender one identifies with internally, regardless of the biological identity assigned at birth.
GENDER EXPRESSION
This refers to the gender that is expressed externally (e.g., through clothing, body movements, and choice of activities). Gender expression may or may not be consistent with gender identity.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Completely different from gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation refers to one’s emotional, sexual, and relational attraction to another person. An individual identifies his or her sexual orientation as being heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual (lesbian or gay).
TRANSGENDER
An adjective used most often as an umbrella term, and frequently abbreviated to “trans.” This adjective describes a wide range of identities and experiences of people whose gender identity and/or expression differs from conventional expectations based on their assigned sex at birth. Not all trans people undergo a medical transition (surgery or hormones). Some commonly held definitions: