LGBTIQ + inclusion
LGBTIQ + stands for Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual , Transgender , Intersex and Queer ( Questioning ). The plus symbol (+) is intended to include other who are not represented by the previous terms .
UNSW uses the acronym LGBTIQ + as the inclusive umbrella term that recognises the most common categories within gender , sex and sexuality diverse populations and acknowledges there are variations of the initialism .
Below are some commonly used terms in the LGBTIQ + 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 .
AISSGA The initialism of the Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Support Group Australia , a peer support , information and advocacy group for intersex people in Australia .
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 person who is emotionally or sexually attracted to people of the same and opposite sex .
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 . People with intersex variations typically find out about their status from their parents or a doctor .
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 LGBTIQ + 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 .
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 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 member of another gender other than 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 .
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 appearance , mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of a person . The way people express or present their gender .
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 .
Genderqueer Most commonly used when someone feels their gender identity does not fit into the socially constructed norms associated with their biological sex .
Heteronormative The assumption that heterosexuality is the norm and that everyone is heterosexual .
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