As our understanding of gender diversity increases, the language and terminology we use continues to evolve. For example, whilst the term ‘transsexual’ was commonly used in the past, many trans people would reject this term today and instead opt for the term ‘transgender’. Similarly, whilst in the past we may have talked about the process of ‘gender reassignment’, today, many trans people prefer their journey to be referred to as ‘gender affirmation’.
Using preferred terminology is a simple yet effective way to be more inclusive, normalise gender expression and help to promote acceptance of gender diversity within wider society.
To help increase understanding, the gender specialists at Waterside Clinic have compiled the following glossary of gender inclusive language:
Glossary of gender inclusive language
• Cisgender: Describes a person whose gender identity is the same as their sex assigned at birth.
• Gender: The socially constructed characteristics used to describe how a person identifies.
• Gender diverse: Describes a person with gender identities and/or expressions that are different from social and cultural expectations attributed to their sex assigned at birth, for example non-binary or gender non-conforming.
• Gender dysphoria: A feeling of distress experienced by a person whose biological sex and gender identity are not aligned.
• Gender identity: A person’s internal sense of self and gender.
• Gender incongruence: When a person’s biological sex and gender identity are not aligned.
• Intersex: Describes a person born with biological sex characteristics that are not typically male or female – for example they may be born with sex chromosomes, external genitalia or an internal reproductive system that is not considered typical for a male or a female.
• Non-binary: A person whose gender is not exclusively male or female.
• Preferred pronouns: The pronouns a person uses to indicate their gender identity, for example she/her for a trans woman, he/him for a trans man and they/them for a non-binary person.
• Sex: The assignment and characteristics that define people as male, female, intersex or another sex based on a combination of anatomy, hormones and chromosomes.
• Sexuality / sexual orientation: A person’s sexual attraction to another person based on the person’s gender preferences or lack of preference.
• Transgender / trans: A person whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.
• Transition: The process a person undertakes to bring their gender expression and/or their body into alignment with their gender identity.
• Trans man: A person who is assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a man.
• Trans woman: A person who is assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman.
Got questions? Get in touch
If you have questions or concerns regarding your gender, our specialist team are here to help and support you. To find out more about our services, call 0131 202 5314 or email us on hello@waterside.clinic and we will be happy to assist you.