ODEI

BDSM is an acronym that stands for Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism. It refers to a broad range of consensual sexual activities and power dynamics that involve role-playing, exploration of intense sensations, and the negotiation of boundaries within the context of adult sexual relationships.

The Bear community is a subculture within the LGBTQ+ community that primarily focuses on celebrating and embracing individuals who have a more masculine, hairy, and larger body type. The term "Bear" typically refers to gay or bisexual men, although it can also include transgender men and non-binary individuals who identify with the community.

"Bigender" is a term used to describe an individual who identifies with and experiences two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or at different times. These gender identities can be male and female, but they can also encompass other gender identities outside the traditional binary.

Biphobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, and negative attitudes or beliefs towards individuals who identify as bisexual or express attraction to more than one gender. It can manifest in various ways, including stereotypes, misconceptions, and stigmatization of bisexual individuals.

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by the potential for attraction to more than one gender. Individuals who identify as bisexual are attracted to both their own gender and other genders, though not necessarily in equal measure or simultaneously. The term "bisexual" acknowledges the existence of a spectrum of attractions that can include emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to both same and different genders.

"BlaQ" or "BlaQueer" acknowledges the overlapping and interconnected experiences of racism, anti-Blackness, and homophobia/transphobia that Black queer individuals may face. It recognizes the need for a specific framework to address the complexities and nuances of their identities.

Body image refers to a person's perception, thoughts, and feelings about their own body. It encompasses how individuals perceive their appearance, including their size, shape, weight, and other physical attributes. Body image can be influenced by societal beauty standards, cultural ideals, media representations, personal experiences, and internal thoughts and beliefs.

Body policing refers to the act of enforcing societal or cultural standards of appearance and behaviour onto individuals, often through judgment, criticism, or pressure. It involves scrutinizing and imposing expectations on people's bodies, including their size, shape, weight, clothing choices, grooming habits, or other physical attributes.

"Butch" is an identity that can be embraced by individuals who feel a strong alignment with masculinity or a rejection of societal expectations for femininity. It can be a personal and empowering way for individuals to express their gender and navigate their identity.

"Cisgender" is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. In other words, cisgender individuals identify with the gender typically associated with their biological sex.

"Cissexism," also known as "genderism," refers to the prejudice, discrimination, or systemic oppression against individuals who are not cisgender. It encompasses attitudes, beliefs, and practices that prioritize and reinforce the experiences and perspectives of cisgender individuals while marginalizing or invalidating the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals.

"Coming out" refers to the process in which an individual discloses their sexual orientation or gender identity to others, often revealing a part of themselves that was previously kept private. It is a personal decision and journey that varies from person to person.

A cross dresser, often abbreviated as CD, is an individual who enjoys wearing clothing and adopting styles traditionally associated with the opposite gender. Cross dressing is a form of self-expression and can be done for various reasons, such as personal enjoyment, exploration of gender identity, or as a way to fulfil fantasies.

Cultural humility is a framework and practice that involves recognizing and respecting the diverse experiences, identities, and cultural backgrounds of others. It emphasizes self-reflection, openness, and a willingness to learn from and engage with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.

Demisexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by the need for an emotional connection or bond before experiencing sexual attraction to someone. Individuals who identify as demisexual typically do not experience immediate or primary sexual attraction based solely on physical appearance or superficial factors. Instead, they require a deep emotional or intellectual connection with someone before experiencing sexual attraction.

"Disability" refers to a diverse range of conditions, impairments, or limitations that may affect a person's physical, cognitive, sensory, or mental functioning. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, permanent or temporary, and can vary in severity and impact on daily life.

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics or attributes. It involves treating people unfairly and denying them equal opportunities, rights, or privileges due to their membership in a particular social group.

A drag king is an individual, typically assigned female at birth, who performs masculinity, often as part of drag performance. Drag kings adopt exaggerated masculine personas through clothing, makeup, gestures, and performances. They may perform in various venues, such as bars, clubs, or drag shows, and their performances can include lip-syncing, dancing, comedy, or other forms of entertainment.

A drag queen is a person, typically assigned male at birth, who performs femininity, often as part of drag performance. Drag queens adopt exaggerated feminine personas through clothing, makeup, wigs, and performances. They may perform in various venues, such as bars, clubs, or drag shows, and their performances can include lip-syncing, singing, dancing, comedy, or other forms of entertainment.

Ethnicity refers to a social group that shares common cultural traditions, heritage, language, and/or ancestry. It is a complex concept that encompasses various aspects of a person's identity and can include factors such as nationality, race, religion, language, and customs. Ethnicity can play a significant role in shaping an individual's sense of identity, community, and belonging.

"Femme" is a term used within LGBTQ+ communities to describe individuals, typically assigned female at birth, who embody or express femininity in various ways. It is a term that can be used by people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

The term "gay" is commonly used to describe individuals who are primarily or exclusively attracted to people of the same sex. It is often used as an umbrella term to encompass a diverse range of sexual orientations within the LGBTQ+ community, including homosexual men

Gender refers to the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of being male, female, or another gender identity. While sex is typically assigned at birth based on physical characteristics, gender is a complex construct that encompasses a range of identities, roles, expressions, and expectations that societies attribute to different sexes.

The term "gender expansive" is used to describe individuals whose gender identity and expression extend beyond the traditional binary understanding of male and female. Gender expansive individuals may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, or have other gender identities that do not conform to the binary notions of gender.

Gender expression refers to the way individuals outwardly express their gender identity through their appearance, behaviour, clothing, hairstyles, and other cultural cues. It encompasses the ways in which individuals communicate and present their sense of self in relation to societal expectations of gender.

Gender fluid, or genderfluid, is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity is not fixed and may change or fluctuate over time. People who identify as gender fluid may experience their gender identity as fluid, moving between different genders or having a combination of multiple genders.

Gender identity refers to an individual's deeply held sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. It is an internal and personal understanding of one's own gender, which may be male, female, or a gender different from the binary categories of male and female.

Genderism, also known as cissexism or cisgenderism, refers to the systemic prejudice, discrimination, or marginalization based on a person's gender identity that aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is the belief that cisgender identities and experiences are superior or more valid than transgender or non-binary identities.

"Gender Outlaw" is a book written by Kate Bornstein, originally published in 1994. The book explores themes of gender identity, transgender issues, and the author's personal experiences as a gender non-conforming individual.

Gender non-conforming (GNC) is a term used to describe individuals whose gender expression or behaviour does not conform to the expectations or norms associated with their assigned sex at birth. GNC individuals may identify as transgender, non-binary, or genderqueer, or they may simply reject or challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes without necessarily identifying as a different gender.

Genderqueer is a term used to describe individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female within the traditional gender binary. Instead, they may identify as both genders, neither gender, a combination of genders, or as a different gender altogether. Genderqueer individuals may also use terms like non-binary, genderfluid, or gender non-conforming to describe their gender identity.

The Gender Unicorn is a visual tool designed to help people understand and explore the concepts of gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex. It was created by Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), a youth-led organization that advocates for transgender and gender non-conforming students.

Heteronormativity refers to the assumption or belief that heterosexuality is the norm or default sexual orientation and that binary gender roles (male and female) are the norm or expected within society. It is a social and cultural framework that reinforces the idea that people should conform to traditional gender and sexual norms, with the expectation that men are attracted to women, and women are attracted to men.

Heterosexism is a system of beliefs, attitudes, and practices that privileges and assumes heterosexuality as the norm while marginalizing and discriminating against non-heterosexual orientations. It is a form of oppression that operates within a broader framework of heteronormativity, reinforcing societal norms and expectations that uphold heterosexuality as superior and more valid than other sexual orientations.

Heterosexuality refers to a sexual orientation in which individuals are primarily or exclusively attracted to people of a different gender. It is the most commonly recognized and culturally privileged sexual orientation within many societies.

Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, and hostility towards individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer (LGBTQ+). It encompasses a range of negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that are rooted in fear, ignorance, and bias against non-heterosexual orientations.

Homosexuality refers to a sexual orientation in which individuals are primarily or exclusively attracted to people of the same gender. It is one of the many diverse sexual orientations that exist in human society.

Internalized oppression refers to the process in which individuals from marginalized or oppressed groups internalize the negative beliefs, stereotypes, and prejudices directed towards their own group. It occurs when individuals adopt and internalize the dominant group's narratives, attitudes, and biases, even if those narratives undermine their own well-being and sense of self-worth.

Intersectionality is a framework developed by legal scholar and critical race theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw. It recognizes that individuals can experience overlapping systems of oppression and privilege based on their various social identities, such as race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, and more. Intersectionality highlights the interconnectedness and complexity of these identities and how they intersect to shape a person's experiences and social position.

Intersex is a term used to describe individuals who are born with variations in their physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary definitions of male or female. These variations can include differences in chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs, or genitalia.

Kink refers to a range of sexual practices, preferences, and interests that fall outside of conventional or mainstream sexual behaviours. It involves consensual exploration of non-traditional sexual activities, power dynamics, fetishes, and role-playing scenarios. Kink can encompass a wide variety of activities, such as BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism), fetishism, role-playing, sensory play, and more.

Latinx is a term that has emerged in recent years as a gender-inclusive alternative to describe individuals of Latin American descent or with Latin American heritage. It is used as a gender-neutral term to challenge the traditional gender binary inherent in the Spanish language, which typically uses "Latino" to refer to males and "Latina" to refer to females.

The leather community is a subculture that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the gay community but also including individuals from various sexual orientations and gender identities. It is associated with BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism) practices, as well as a specific aesthetic and set of values.

Lesbian is a term used to describe women who are primarily or exclusively attracted romantically, emotionally, and/or sexually to other women. Lesbianism is a form of sexual orientation that is distinct from other sexual orientations, such as heterosexual or bisexual orientations.

LGBT is an acronym that stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. It is an umbrella term used to refer to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities that deviate from the traditional societal norms of heterosexuality and cisgender identities.

LGBTQIA allyship refers to the active support and advocacy by individuals who are not part of the LGBTQIA community for the rights, well-being, and equality of LGBTQIA individuals. Being an ally involves recognizing and challenging heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and the discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA community, and actively working towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.

Masculine of Center (MOC) is a term used to describe individuals who have a gender identity that is more aligned with masculinity but falls outside of the traditional societal norms and expectations for masculinity. It is often used within the LGBTQIA community to acknowledge and affirm diverse expressions of masculinity that may not conform to stereotypical or cisnormative notions.

Microaggressions refer to subtle, often unintentional, everyday actions or comments that communicate derogatory or negative messages towards individuals or groups based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other social identities. They can be expressed through verbal, nonverbal, or environmental cues, and may reinforce stereotypes, biases, and power imbalances.

Misgendering refers to the act of using language or pronouns that do not accurately reflect a person's gender identity. It occurs when someone is referred to or addressed using pronouns, terms, or language that do not align with their self-identified gender.

Monogamy is a form of relationship or marriage in which an individual has only one partner at a time. It is a social and cultural norm in many societies, where individuals commit to a single partner for emotional, romantic, and sexual exclusivity.

Pansexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to people regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. Pansexual individuals can be attracted to individuals who identify as male, female, non-binary, genderqueer, transgender, or any other gender identity. The focus is on the person's individual characteristics, personality, and connection, rather than their gender.

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and celebrates the natural variation in human neurocognitive functioning. It promotes the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other developmental and neurological conditions, are a normal and valuable part of human diversity, rather than being viewed solely as disorders or deficits.

Neurodivergent is a term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning diverge from the dominant societal norms and expectations. It encompasses a range of neurocognitive differences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's syndrome, and other conditions that are commonly labeled as developmental or neurological disorders.

Neurotypical is a term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning align with the dominant societal norms and expectations. It refers to individuals who do not have neurocognitive differences or developmental conditions that are commonly labeled as neurological disorders or disabilities.

Neutrois is a term used by some individuals to describe a non-binary gender identity that is characterized by a sense of gender neutrality, absence of gender, or a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female. Neutrois individuals may experience a disconnect from the traditional binary gender categories of male and female and may identify outside of those categories altogether.

Nonbinary, also spelled as non-binary or non-binary, is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not exclusively align with the categories of male or female. Nonbinary individuals may identify as having a gender identity that is fluid, outside the traditional binary, or a combination of genders.

The term "omnigender" is not widely recognized or commonly used within the broader discourse of gender identities. It is important to note that gender identity is a deeply personal and individual experience, and there is a wide range of identities that people may identify with.

Phobia is a term used to describe an extreme or irrational fear or aversion towards a particular object, situation, or concept. Phobias can cause significant distress and anxiety for individuals who experience them.

Polyamory is a relationship orientation or philosophy that involves having multiple consensual romantic or emotional relationships simultaneously, with the knowledge and consent of all parties involved. It is based on the belief that it is possible to love and form meaningful connections with more than one person at a time.

Polysexual is a term used to describe a sexual orientation characterized by attraction to multiple genders, but not necessarily all genders. It is similar to bisexuality, which refers to attraction to both males and females, but polysexuality expands the scope to include attraction to individuals who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or other genders beyond the binary.

Pronouns are words used to refer to a person in place of their name. They are an essential part of language and communication.

Privilege refers to unearned advantages, benefits, or opportunities that individuals may have based on their social identity or membership in a particular group. It is important to note that privilege is not something that individuals actively seek or necessarily even recognize they possess. Instead, it is a result of systems and structures in society that advantage certain groups while disadvantaging others.

The term "queer" has historically been used as a derogatory slur against LGBTQ+ individuals. However, in recent years, many people within the LGBTQ+ community have reclaimed the term and now use it as an inclusive and empowering umbrella term to describe diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Questioning is a term used to describe an individual who is exploring or uncertain about their sexual orientation, gender identity, or both. It is a natural and valid part of the personal journey of self-discovery and understanding.

A social construct that divides people into distinct groups based on characteristics such as physical appearance, ancestral heritage, cultural affiliation, cultural history, ethnic classification, based on the social, economic, and political context of a society at a given period of time

Racism is a system of prejudice, discrimination, and power that operates based on the belief that some races are inherently superior or inferior to others. It involves the unjust treatment, marginalization, and oppression of individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity.

Religion refers to a complex and diverse set of beliefs, practices, rituals, and values that are often centered around the worship of one or more deities or the recognition of a higher power. It encompasses various spiritual, moral, and philosophical traditions that guide individuals and communities in their understanding of the world and their place in it.

Romantic orientation refers to an individual's emotional, romantic, and/or relational attraction to others. It is separate from sexual orientation, which pertains to sexual attraction. While sexual orientation is often discussed in terms of being attracted to a specific gender or genders, romantic orientation focuses on the emotional and romantic connections individuals experience.

"Same Gender Loving" (SGL) is a term that emerged within the African American LGBTQ+ community as an alternative way to describe individuals who are attracted to people of the same gender. It was coined as a term to affirm and celebrate same-gender relationships and identities within the context of African American culture.

Sex refers to the biological characteristics that typically categorize individuals as male or female. These characteristics are usually based on physical attributes such as reproductive organs, hormones, and chromosomes. In binary terms, male is associated with having XY chromosomes and typically having male reproductive organs, while female is associated with having XX chromosomes and typically having female reproductive organs.

Sexism refers to prejudice, discrimination, or bias based on a person's sex or gender, typically with a bias towards favouring one sex over the other. It is a form of inequality that manifests in various ways, including social, economic, and political spheres.

Sizeism, also known as weight discrimination or weight bias, refers to the systemic prejudice, discrimination, and bias based on a person's body size or weight. It involves treating individuals differently or unfairly based on their size, often favouring those who conform to societal standards of thinness while marginalizing or stigmatizing those who are perceived as overweight or obese.

Social identities refer to the various ways in which individuals identify and are perceived within society. These identities are shaped by a combination of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, age, ability, and more. Social identities can influence an individual's experiences, opportunities, and interactions with others.

"Trans" is short for transgender, which is an umbrella term used to describe individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. Transgender people may identify as a gender different from the one typically associated with their assigned sex, such as identifying as male, female, or non-binary.

Transphobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards individuals who are transgender or who do not conform to traditional gender norms. It is rooted in societal attitudes and beliefs that invalidate or stigmatize transgender identities and experiences.

A trans woman is an individual who was assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman. Transgender women have a gender identity that is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. They may go through a process of self-discovery and self-acceptance to understand their true gender identity.

A trans man is an individual who was assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a man. Transgender men have a gender identity that is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. They may go through a process of self-discovery and self-acceptance to understand their true gender identity.

Transition refers to the process that some transgender individuals undertake to align their gender identity with their outward appearance and lived experiences. It is a deeply personal and individual journey that varies from person to person.

The term "undocumented" refers to individuals who are living in a country without the legal authorization or proper documentation, such as visas or residency permits, to reside or work in that country. These individuals are often referred to as undocumented immigrants.

Ursula is a name that can have various meanings and associations depending on the context. It can be a feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "little female bear." The name has historical and literary significance as well.

"Womxn" is an alternative spelling of the word "women" that is sometimes used to be more inclusive and gender-neutral. The term is intended to acknowledge and include individuals who may not identify strictly within the binary concept of womanhood.

Ability

Ableism

Ageism

Allosexism

Allosexual

Allistic

Allyship

Androgyne

Aromantic

Asexual

Autism

BDSM

Bear Community

Bigender

Biphobia

Bisexual

BlaQ/BlaQueer

Body Image

Body Policing

Butch

Cisgender

Cissexism/Genderism

Coming Out

Cross Dresser (CD)

Cultural Humility

Demisexual

Disability/(Dis)ability/Dis/ability

Discrimination

Drag King

Drag Queen

Ethnicity

Femme

Gay

Gender

Gender Expansive

Gender Expression

Gender Fluid/Genderfluid

Gender Identity

Genderism/Cissexism

Gender Outlaw

Gender Non-conforming (GNC)

Gender Queer

Gender Unicorn

Heteronormativity

Heterosexism

Heterosexuality

Homophobia

Homosexual/Homosexuality

Internalized oppression

Intersectionality

Intersex

Kink

Latinx

Leather community

Lesbian

LGBT

LGBTQIA Allyship

Masculine of Center (MOC)

Microaggressions

Misgendering

Monogamy

Multisexual

Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent

Neurotypical

Neutrois

Non binary/Nonbinary/Non-binary

Omnigender

Phobia

Polyamory

Polysexual

Pronouns

Privilege

Queer

Questioning

Race

Racism

Religion

Romantic Orientation

Same Gender Loving