DEIA Resources: Gender and Sexual Identity

Sexism: A system that produces social and physical barriers based on gender, specifically for girls and women. Sexism historically conflates one’s sex (our genitalia, anatomy, chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs) with our gender (our gender expression and gender identity) and depends on the gender binary of women and men. This binary also erases intersex and trans girls and women.

Gender identity: A person’s deeply held core sense of self in relation to gender. Gender identity does not always correspond to biological sex. People become aware of their gender identity at many different stages of life, from as early as 18 months and into adulthood. Gender identity is a separate concept from sexuality and gender expression.

Trans: An umbrella term used to refer to more than one identity within gender identity and gender expression, beyond what is generally assigned at birth: transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, genderfluid, genderfuck, agender, third gender, two-spirit, bigender, pangender, trans woman, trans man, and more.  For Western English-centric people, we often describe these individuals as trans, transgender, nonbinary and/or gender nonconforming. It is important to understand that ethnic cultures around the world historically have their own languages in describing their diverse understandings of gender identity and gender roles.

The Anti-Oppression Network. Terminologies of oppression

PFLAG. LGBTQ+ glossary

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