Some transgender, lesbian, gay, questioning, non-labeling and bisexual people, however, reject the use of this term due to its connotations of deviance and its tendency to gloss over and sometimes deny the differences between these groups. Some people identify as “queer” to distance themselves from the rigid categorization of “straight” and “gay”. While “queer” originated as a derogatory word, it has been reclaimed by many LGBT people as a statement of empowerment. Queer: Used as an umbrella identity term encompassing lesbian, questioning people, gay men, bisexuals, non-labeling people, transgender folks, and anyone else who does not strictly identify as heterosexual. Many LGBT individuals are “out” in some situations and “closeted” in others, based on their perceived level of safety.īrowse our collection of LGBT training materials In the closet: To be in the closet means to hide one’s LGBT identity in order to avoid negative social repercussions, such as losing a job, housing, friends or family.
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A clinical term that originated in the late 1800s, many avoid the word because it contains the base word “sex.” The terms “lesbian, bi and gay” are preferred by many in the LGBT community. Homosexual: A person who is primarily and/or exclusively attracted to members of their own sex or gender. Homophobia has roots in sexism and can include prejudice, discrimination, harassment and acts of violence. Homophobia: Thoughts, feelings or actions based on fear, dislike, judgment or hatred of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Heterosexual: A person who is emotionally, physically and/or sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex. It is important to note that gender identity, biological sex, and sexual orientation are not necessarily linked. For transgender people, gender identity may differ from physical anatomy or expected social roles. For most people, gender identity is in accord with their physical anatomy. Gender identity: The sense of “being” male or “being” female. Gender expression is not necessarily an indication of sexual orientation. It also includes emphasizing, de-emphasizing or changing their body’s characteristics. Gender expression: Refers to the ways in which people externally communicate their gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, hairstyle and voice. View our list of recommended LGBT training resources Gay: A homosexual person, usually used to describe men but may also describe women. For example: a female who identifies as a woman. Also called “bi”.Ĭisgender: A person whose gender identity and expression matches the gender typically associated with their biological sex. A popular video on this topic is Anyone Can Be An Ally.īiphobia: The fear or hatred of bisexual people.īisexual: A person who is emotionally, physically and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
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To ensure and build LGBT workplace inclusion, here are some of the words and acronyms that are commonly used in American English for LGBT issues:Īlly: An ally is a member of the majority, who works to end oppression of a minority, by supporting and advocating with the oppressed population. LGBT is one of the most important facets of diversity training today.
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Is your workplace aware and respectful of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community? Are you compliant to avoid criminal prosecution and/or costly lawsuits? Promote LGBT Workplace Inclusion, Avoid Discrimination