Gender identity

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This refers to a person’s internal, deeply felt sense of being a female or male, or something in between. As a person’s gender identity is internal, it is not necessarily visible to others, and does not necessarily correspond with the person’s biological sex. As such, a person’s ‘gender expression’ refers to how they express their sense of femininity, masculinity or …

Genderfluid

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A gender identity that refers to a gender which varies over time. A gender fluid person may at any time identify as male, female, neutrois, or any other nonbinary identity, or some combination of identities. Their gender can also vary at random or vary in response to different circumstances. Gender fluid people may also identify as multigender, non-binary and/or transgender.

Genderqueer

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People who do not conform to traditional gender norms and express a nonstandard gender identity. Some may not change their physical sex or cross dress, but identify as genderqueer, gender neutral or androgynous.

Heteronormativity

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The reinforcement of certain beliefs by social institutions. These beliefs include that people fall into two distinct and complementary categories, male and female, and that sexual relations are normal only between people of different sexes, and correlates to beliefs that each sex has certain ‘natural’ roles in life. Thus, it is assumed that sex, gender identity and gender roles should …

Heterosexism

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Heterosexism is a predisposition to heterosexuality as ‘normal’, which is biased against other forms of sexual orientation. This is not the same as homophobia, but is rather the discrimination against non-heterosexual people due to cultural bias. It often occurs through omission and/or distortion of non-heterosexual realities, eg in media. Heterosexism is structurally reinforced where institutions privilege heterosexual orientation. For example, …

Homophobia

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Homophobia is the fear of, or aversion to homosexuality or those perceived to be homosexual, often resulting in discriminatory behaviour, i.e. treating people negatively on the basis of this perceived trait. Although individual, it can also support structural discrimination. In turn, stereotypes and negative messages about homosexuality cultivate homophobia. Homophobia can be internalised, leading people to fear or hate their …

Intersex

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A general term used for people have sexual or reproductive anatomy that does not fit the typical biological definitions of female or male. Intersex people are born with any of a number of physical variations (e.g., they have genitals that are atypical). However, intersex anatomy is not always visible at birth, and may become apparent at puberty, later, or not …

Lesbian

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A woman who is primarily emotionally and sexually attracted to other women. This is used as both a personal and community identity

LGBTTIF

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Takatāpui, Intersex, Fa’afafine. This combination is only found in New Zealand and reflects New Zealand’s ethnic makeup.