ARO PRIDE: steady BREATHE LIFE: PRIDE
LGBTQIA+ Glossary OF TERMS AND IDENTITIES
Since terminology is so fluid and identity labels mean different things to different people, this list simply aims to serve as a resource and guide.
By no means can every definition perfectly describe every individual’s experience with an identity. Some of these definitions draw upon those created by other LGBT Centers (Syracuse University, UC Berkeley, UCLA and Ohio University), The Brown Boi Project and trans-academics.org
An identity label claimed by some African-American and Latin@ masculine of center lesbians. Some use “stud” as a synonym.
A person that actively combats homophobia, queerphobia, transphobia, heterosexism and cissexism in their day-to-day life.
An identity label sometimes claimed by people who do not experience sexual attraction. This differs from celibacy or abstinence, which are behaviors. Often used as an umbrella term to encompass identities such as aromantic, demisexual, grey-A, heteroromantic, homoromantic, etc.
Term to describe an assumed duality. Usually in reference to the socially constructed gender binary of man/woman and sex binary of male/female.
A medical label used to categorize people according to their chromosomes, hormones, genitalia and secondary sex characteristics (breasts, body hair, etc.). Usually assigned at birth as “male” or “female” by a doctor, though there are many variations outside of that socially-constructed binary (i.e. intersex).
A person, often—but not always—a lesbian or queer-identified woman, that identifies strongly with “masculinity.” Has been used historically in a derogatory manner.
Term used to describe an individual whose assigned biological sex aligns with their expected binary gender identity. Considered to be opposite of “transgender.” Example: A person whose sex assigned at birth is “female” and identifies their gender as girl or woman.
The outright or underlying assumption that all people are cisgender.
The cultural, institutional and individual beliefs and practices that assume being cisgender is the only natural, normal and acceptable gender identity. Belief that transgender identities are inferior to, or less authentic than, cisgender identities.
A person who enjoys dressing in clothing typically associated with the other of the 2 socially-sanctioned genders, but who generally have no intent to live full-time as the other gender. The older term “transvestite” is considered derogatory by many in the United States.
A term originating from the African-American community to describe a man who usually identifies as heterosexual but also has sex with men, often secretly.
A person, often—but not always—a lesbian or queer-identified woman, that identifies strongly with “femininity.”
A socially constructed identity centering around notions of “masculinity,” “femininity” and “androgyny,” which includes aspects of identity and expression.”
An identity label sometimes claimed by man-identified people who form their primary romantic and sexual relationships with other man-identified people.
An identity label sometimes claimed by people whose gender identity does not fit into the culturally accepted man/woman binary. May be characterized by the desire to challenge norms of gender roles and expression, to “play” with gender and/or to express a fluid gender identity.
Originally a medical term to describe a person who experiences sexual attraction to people on the “opposite” side of the sex and/or gender binaries. Term came into existence in the 1890s solely to be used in opposition to the term “homosexual.”
The outright or underlying assumption that all people are heterosexual.
Negative attitudes and feelings, ranging from aversion to hatred, toward people who identify as or are perceived to be LGBQ. Can be present in institutions such as religion, the education system and the law, and also internally in individuals that may or may not identify within the LGBTQQIAP community.
Term to describe a person whose sex assigned at birth does not neatly fit into the socially accepted binary of “male” or “female,” because they have genitalia, hormone production levels and/or chromosomal makeups that are ambiguous or non-binary.
An identity label sometimes claimed by woman-identified people who form their primary romantic and sexual relationships with other woman-identified people.
Abbreviation for “male assigned at birth” or “assigned male at birth.”
Terms used to indicate the direction of a trans person’s transition and/or identification change. Usually means male-to-female, male-toward-female, female-to-male or female-toward-male.
The systematic subjugation of a group of people by another group with access to social power, the result of which benefits one group over the other and is maintained by social beliefs and practices.
To be openly identified as LGBTQ to certain people and in certain spaces. Outing someone without their consent is not only invasive, but also can put that individual in danger.
Being perceived by others as the gender you are aiming to present as. Usually used to describe if a trans person is able to live convincingly and publicly as the gender they identify.
Terms used to describe a transgender or transsexual person’s intentions or status regarding sex affirmation surgeries.
A “system of advantage” that gives people from more powerful social groups access to resources and opportunities that are denied to others (and usually gained at their expense) simply because of the groups they belong to (Goodman, 2001; Johnson, 2001; Wildman & Davis, 1996, 2000).
An umbrella identity term used by people who do not conform to norms of heterosexuality and/or the gender binary. A reclaimed slur, often used with a political connotation.
An identity label sometimes claimed by individuals that recognize their ability to be in multiple loving and honest sexual and/or romantic relationships at the same time.
The cultural, institutional and individual beliefs and practices that privilege men and/or masculinity, subordinate women and/or femininity, and denigrate values and practices associated with women.
A term sometimes used by Black women who love women and Black men who love men. Emerged in the 1990s to provide people in the African-American and Black communities an alternative way to discuss their identity, outside of white-centric terminology.
An umbrella identity term used by people who do not conform to norms of heterosexuality and/or the gender binary. A reclaimed slur, often used with a political connotation.
A person who has transitioned their identity from woman to man, and sometimes their body from female to male.
A person who has transitioned their identity from man to woman, and sometimes their body from male to female.
The process of changing one’s sex or gender, socially (e.g. changing one’s name, clothing, makeup, hair, pronouns) and/or medically (e.g. hormones and/or surgery).
A person who usually experiences a strong and persistent feeling that their body and assigned sex are at odds with their gender identity. These individuals often (but not always) desire to change their bodies to reduce this dysphoria. Since this term comes from the medical establishment, many people choose not to identify with it.
A trans person whose gender expression is primarily “masculine.” Often includes trans, transgender and/or transexual men.
A trans person whose gender expression is primarily “feminine.” Often includes trans, transgender and/or transexual women.
Identity label claimed by some individuals in the United States who are both queer and undocumented to show that those two aspects of their identity are not only intersectional, but also inseparable.
Abbreviation for “queer people of color” or “queer and trans people of color.”
Negative attitudes and feelings, ranging from aversion to hatred, toward people who identify as or are perceived to be trans. Can be present in institutions such as religion, the education system and the law, and also internally in individuals that may or may not identify within the trans community.
We are currently seeking male volunteers to support our Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) at ARO and Norm Therapy® with the IRS. Since you already applied for a position with our organization, we are reaching out to you first. As we navigated through the challenges posed by the pandemic and other global issues, we are just now able to accommodate and support male inclusion in the Norm Therapy® Training Program.
We value experience, empathy, a “can-do” spirit, effective human interaction, and practical business/leadership acumen. Initially, our focus will be on Norm Therapy® Training and non-profit management, with plans to expand into various other areas and positions in the near future. We appreciate your interest in our mission, Abuse Refuge Org and Norm Therapy®.
If you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, we kindly request that you speak to one of our HR Recruiters to discuss which aspect of ARO you would operate from if selected.
NOTE:
Our mission is to never discriminate based on gender, sexuality, or any other aspects of your life related to the LGBTQ+ community. The decision to disclose your preference is entirely up to you. However, once you choose a gender role, it will be a permanent status within our organization. Given the nature, elevated level of trauma and sensitivity of our work in treating abuse victims and survivors worldwide, consistency and familiarity with our patients are of utmost importance. Our patients have traditionally experienced significant trauma by the time they seek our assistance. We are committed to providing a safe environment free from additional trauma or drama for any victim/survivor.
While we do not prioritize the current political environment surrounding gender and other politically correct issues, we greatly value the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community. The decisions individuals make regarding their identity and sense of belonging are important to us. Once again, we emphasize that this decision rests solely with you. If you are unwilling to work within these guidelines, we kindly request that you refrain from applying.
“HOW ARO HELPS”
Providing support to LGBTQIA+ victims and survivors within ARO Abuse Care Programs and communities.
The LGBTQIA+ Community faces a twofold problem when it comes to abuse. On one hand, our community faces increased rates of violence and abuse against it while on the other hand, we are faced with greater hurdles and gatekeeping along the already difficult path to recovery. ARO strives to build bridges wherever possible. We keep the door open, and all members of the community are welcome to ARO’s resources. Further, through advocacy and outreach, we actively bring light to problems often kept in the dark, and address the unique needs of different people in our community. ARO’s mission is simple, to help all people “Breathe Life.”
ARO Pride
ARO supports the LGBTQIA+ community unconditionally with directed effort towards giving access, inclusive care, advocacy, and education. There are many ways we accomplish these goals, including:
An active advocacy group within ARO (LGBTQIA+ Department/ARO Pride)
Inclusive language and respecting identity as fundamental.
Research and educational training both internally and externally to help understand problems, and improve access and quality of care.
Working with LGBTQIA+ organizations and building mutual relationships for education, care services, and advocacy.
This list is certainly not exhaustive, and we’re continuing to grow our LGBTQIA+ Department and the services we provide.
How to Help
We are looking for volunteers! If you or someone you know is interested in helping ARO, victims of abuse, and the LGBTQIA+ community, please check us out on LinkedIn for open positions.
Your contributions make a difference. Donations increase the resources we have available for education, advocacy, and care. With your help, we can help those who need it most.
Stay connected! We help provide content for all of ARO’s Social Media channels where you can gain access to livestreams and recordings where we have open discussions and talks.
Abuse Refuge Org (ARO) celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community. We want to emphasize that ARO, Norm Therapy®️, and all our affiliates and partners do not discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community in any way. However, our Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) allow us to separate individuals based on their biological sex and their gender preference. It is important to note that our organization and staff are not experts in the evolving gender classifications in society today. Therefore, a combination of factors, including biological sex and self-identified gender, will determine the placement of our members within our organization. Our top priority is to ensure the highest level of security, safety, confidentiality, communication, and integrity for our Abuse Care Community members, both within and outside our organization.
We have observed that some individuals, particularly biological women, may feel uncomfortable discussing related issues with someone of a different biological sex. This applies vice versa as well. Integrating the LGBTQIA+ community into our organization poses challenges, but we are committed to addressing them directly, effectively, and fairly. Some people may find great comfort in our decisions, while others do not. Our focus is on the well-being of our staff members and patients. Management will make all decisions regarding placements, treatment, and management of hires, patients, and any third-party entities. By becoming a member, joining our management team, or being involved with our organization, you are expected to comply with this policy without question, protest, or debate. Failure to do so may result in removal from our organization.
We strictly refrain from engaging in any political debates surrounding this issue, as the lives of many individuals are at stake. Compromising on issues impacting the Abuse Care Community would contradict our core values, sense of duty, and public trust.
…Les’t we forget, we are all in this struggle for life together