LGBTQIA + inclusion
LGBTQIA + stands for Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual , Transgender , Queer / Questioning , Intersex , and Asexual . The plus symbol (+) is intended to include other identities , labels , and / or experiences that are not captured or represented by the previous terms .
UNSW uses the acronym LGBTQIA + as an inclusive umbrella that recognises the most common categories within gender , sex and sexuality diverse populations and acknowledges there are many variations of the acronym .
Below are some commonly used terms in the LGBTQIA + community . Some people do not identify with these terms .
Terms and definitions
Affirmed gender The gender with which one identifies , which may or may not match the individual ’ s assigned gender at birth .
Agender This term means ‘ without gender ’. Those who identify as agender do not typically identify as man , woman or any other gender .
Asexual or ace An adjective used to describe people who do not experience sexual attraction . A person can also be ‘ aromantic ’, meaning they do not experience romantic attraction .
Bigender Two genders , or double gender . Bigender people may experience two gender identities at the same time or at different times . Typically , bigender identities are man and woman , but they may also include non-binary identities . They may also include a tendency to move between masculine and feminine gender-typed behaviour , depending on the context , expressing a distinctly masculine persona or a distinctly feminine persona .
Bisexual or bi A romantic or sexual attraction or behaviour toward both men and women , to more than one gender , or to both people of the same gender and different genders ( inclusive of cis , trans , and non-binary identities ).
Brotherboys Indigenous transgender men . See ‘ Transgender or trans ’.
Cis or cisgender A term used to describe a person whose gender identity matches social expectations for their sex assigned at birth ; the opposite of transgender .
Coming out The process through which an individual comes to recognise and acknowledge ( to self and to others ) their sexual orientation or gender identity .
Congenital A term meaning that something is present at birth ; also referred to as ‘ innate ’.
Family May include biological family or family of choice . Due to possibly having experienced rejection from their biological families , some LGBTQIA + people may form core relationship links with others who they may refer to as their ‘ family of choice ’. This is similar to many other people ’ s relationships with their biological family .
Fa ’ afafine and Fa ' afatama Terms used by Samoan and American Samoan people who identify themselves as having a third gender or non-binary role .
FtM / F2M / FtoM Female to male . See ‘ Transgender or trans ’.
Gay A person whose primary emotional and sexual attraction is towards people of the same sex . The term is most commonly applied to men , although some women , as well as non-binary / gender nonconforming people , use this term .
Gender Gender is part of a person ’ s personal and social identity . It refers to the way a person feels , presents and is recognised within the community . A person ’ s gender expression refers to outward social markers , including their name , outward appearance , mannerisms and dress .
Gender affirmation The process a person takes to live and behave as a gender different to their gender or sex assigned at birth . Some trans and gender diverse people may use the terms ‘ gender transition ’ or ‘ transitioning ’ or ‘ gender confirmation ’ but gender affirmation is the recommended language at this time . See more in UNSW ' s Gender Affirmation Guideline for staff and students .
Gender-diverse An umbrella word for people with diverse gender identities . Sometimes used in preference to the term ‘ transgender ’. ‘ Intersex ’ should not be conflated with ‘ gender-diverse ’.
Gender-fluid A gender identity that varies over time . A gender-fluid person may feel like a mix of genders , but more male on some days and more female on others .
Gender expression The way people express or present their gender . This can include the appearance , mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of a person .
Gender identity The way a person may identify ( for example , as a man or woman , or both , neither or otherwise ). Intersex people have a range of gender identities , just like non-intersex people .
Writing Style Guide | Equity , diversity and inclusion 27 | Back to contents