Archives: Glossary Terms

A term sometimes used by those in the process of exploring their gender or sexual orientation, as well as choosing not to […]

When someone is correctly assumed to be the wrong gender; this term has replaced the outdated term “to pass” which implied that […]

A former requirement for medical transition, during which one was required to live full-time in their self-determined gender role; this requirement has […]

A surgery to remove the Fallopian tubes; a gender-affirming, masculinizing lower surgery.

A person’s inner sense of their own gender identity, which is independent of their gender expression, biological makeup and any gender that […]

Term used to be inclusive of trans men or trans persons of history who self-identity as men (e.g. this restroom is for […]

Term used to be inclusive of trans women or trans persons of history who self-identity as women (e.g. this restroom is for […]

Biological attributes and legal categories used to classify humans as male, female, intersex or other categories, primarily associated with physical and physiological […]

Legal designation of sex, usually made at birth.

Hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, affecting sexual and reproductive development or function.

Legal designation of sex (usually male or female) on official documents, such as government issued identification and birth certificates. Sometimes called “gender […]

See gender-affirming surgery.

Patterns of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to groups of people (e.g. men, women, trans people), a person’s sense of identity based […]

Guidelines containing the recommended course of care for people seeking medical transition to their self-determined gender, published by the World Professional Association […]

The practice of living one’s life entirely as one’s gender without disclosing past experiences.

Evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional to determine if a patient is ready to be referred for gender-affirming surgery.

A gender other than male or female.

Umbrella term used for some gender-affirming above-the-waist surgeries including masculinizing chest surgeries and feminizing breast augmentation surgeries.

An acronym for Trans People of Colour.

A term that is used by some trans people (transsexual and transgender people) who are open about their status and do not […]

Transphobia directed at trans women and transfeminine people that reinforces male power and privilege, including harassment, violence and discrimination.

This umbrella term may describe people who were assigned male at birth, who are trans, and whose gender expression leans towards the […]