Autogynephilia
Controversial theory that claims trans women are really men who are sexually aroused by the thought of being female.

Bigender
Having an identity that encompasses both male and female genders.

Bisexual
Having the potential to be attracted to members of either men or women. Acknowledges only the binary concept of gender.

Cisgender
Not transgender/transsexual.

Cognitive Dissonance
The feeling of discomfort or dysphoria that occurs when contradictory ideas are held simultaneously.

Dysphoria
The feeling of discomfort experienced when some quality of oneself does not feel right.

Female
One of two biological sexes. Most often defined by the absence of a penis, this definition is not static. There is no universal definition for female.

Feminine
Having traits associated with being a woman.

Gay
Having the potential to be attracted to members of the same gender. A bisexual or genderqueer person may also identify as gay, or may not. All genders may identify as gay, though it is often assumed to identify gay men.

Gender
Identity, often based on but not limited to biological sex. Modern gender theory defines gender by how one presents oneself to society.

Gender Identity
An identity relating to one’s gender.

Genderqueer
Anyone who transgresses the accepted gender boundaries created by our society.

Heteronormative
Abiding by typical heterosexual behaviour.

In The Closet
Hiding one’s true sexual orientation or gender identity. One can be in the closet to some people but not to others, or be partially in the closet to someone (ie, by concealing their gender identity but not their sexual orientation). In recent times, this phrase has been expanded to mean concealing anything about oneself.

Lesbian
A woman having the potential to be attracted to members of the same gender (ie. other women). A bisexual or gender queer person may also identify as lesbian, or may not.

Male
One of two biological sexes. Most often defined by the presence of a penis, this definition is not static. There is no universal definition for male.

Man
A person with a gender identity congruent with the male biological sex. A man does not need to be biologically male.

Masculine
Having traits associated with being a man.

Non-Op
A state of being where a trans person retains a physical aspect of their birth sex, usually genitals, and does not desire to modify it via surgery.

Pansexual
Having the potential to be attracted to members of any gender. May be applied to both genderqueer and non-genderqueer individuals.

Post-Op
A state of being where a trans person has modified a physical aspect of their birth sex, usually genitals, via surgery.

Pre-Op
A state of being where a trans person retains a physical aspect of their birth sex, usually genitals, and desires to modify it via surgery.

Queer
Having an identity that differs from heteronormative culture. An umbrella term used to represent anybody who is a part of the queer community.

Reparative Therapy
A form of therapy that uses shame to deter a patient from the specified behaviour. Traditionally used to deter homosexuality, it is not endorsed by the APA. However, it remains in use by some therapists to deter gender-variant behaviour in children. Also used by religious organizations to turn gay people straight.

Sexual Orientation
An identity relating to the gender of those to whom one may be attracted.

Stealth
The state of a transgender person living as their new sex without telling anyone they are trans. Also called “back in the closet”.

Straight
Having the potential to be attracted to members of the opposite gender. This identity inherently limits one to the binary concept of gender.

Transgender
Having a gender identity that is incongruent with one’s physical sex, or transgressing the gender boundaries applied by society.

Transition
To change one’s gender either socially or physically.

Transsexual
See Transgendered. Often applied to represent transgendered people who are in the process of, or have completed transitioning.

Two-Spirit
Having two separate identities reflecting two separate genders. From North American First Nations beliefs. Not to be confused with bigendered, which involves a single identity.

Woman
A person with a gender identity congruent with the female biological sex. A woman does not need to be biologically female.

Womyn
A pro-feminist spelling of woman, it acknowledges that women are not the same as men.