Glossary
Asexual
A sexual orientation characterized by experiencing little or no sexual attraction to others.
Example:
While enjoying close friendships, Maya identifies as asexual because she does not experience sexual attraction to anyone.
Biological Factors (Gender/Sexual Orientation)
The genetic, hormonal, and prenatal environmental influences that may contribute to an individual's gender identity and sexual orientation.
Example:
Research exploring the role of specific genes or prenatal hormone exposure in influencing biological factors related to sexual orientation is ongoing.
Bisexual
A sexual orientation characterized by attraction to both men and women.
Example:
Someone who feels romantic and sexual attraction to people of both male and female genders identifies as bisexual.
Brain Structure (Gender/Sexual Orientation)
Refers to observed differences in specific brain regions or their connectivity that some research suggests may correlate with gender identity or sexual orientation.
Example:
Some studies have investigated potential differences in hypothalamic brain structure between heterosexual and homosexual individuals, though correlation does not imply causation.
Cisgender
A term used to describe individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Example:
Sarah identifies as a woman, and she was assigned female at birth, making her cisgender.
Gender
A social construct encompassing the roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities that a society considers appropriate for males and females. It is about how an individual identifies and expresses themselves within societal norms.
Example:
In many cultures, the expectation that women should be nurturing and men should be assertive reflects societal ideas about gender.
Gender Identity
An individual's deeply held personal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. It is an internal sense of self that may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.
Example:
Even though Alex was assigned female at birth, their internal sense of self is male, reflecting their gender identity.
Gender Non-conforming
Individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms or stereotypes in their expression, behavior, or identity, often challenging the binary view of gender.
Example:
Jamie enjoys wearing clothing typically associated with the opposite gender and doesn't adhere to traditional masculine or feminine behaviors, making them gender non-conforming.
Gender Roles
Societal expectations and norms that prescribe how males and females should behave, think, and feel.
Example:
The expectation that men should be the primary breadwinners and women should be homemakers is an example of traditional gender roles.
Gender Stereotypes
Overgeneralized and often inaccurate beliefs about the characteristics, traits, and abilities of males and females.
Example:
The belief that 'girls are bad at math' or 'boys don't cry' are common gender stereotypes.
Heterosexual
A sexual orientation characterized by attraction to individuals of the opposite gender.
Example:
A woman who is romantically and sexually attracted to men is heterosexual.
Homosexual
A sexual orientation characterized by attraction to individuals of the same gender.
Example:
A man who is romantically and sexually attracted to other men is homosexual.
Pansexual
A sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or expression.
Example:
Alex identifies as pansexual because they are attracted to individuals of any gender, including those who are non-binary or genderfluid.
Sex
Refers to the biological distinction between males and females, primarily based on chromosomes (XY for male, XX for female) and associated physical characteristics.
Example:
A baby's sex is typically assigned at birth based on observable biological features.
Sexual Orientation
A person's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to other people.
Example:
David's sexual orientation is heterosexual, meaning he is attracted to people of the opposite gender.
Transgender
A term for individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Example:
Mark was assigned female at birth but identifies as a man, meaning he is transgender.