Definitions 

To help with definitions on this page, please see the following:

LGBTQIA2S+ - lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit. 


Queer - of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction that is not limited to people of a particular gender identity or sexual orientation 

of, relating to, or being a person whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual and/or whose gender identity is not cisgender

of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity cannot be categorized as solely male or female : GENDERQUEER, NONBINARY  

of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person was identified as having at birth :  TRANSGENDER  (Merriam Webster)


Sexual orientation  - refers to an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes. Sexual orientation also refers to a person's sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions.  (American Psychology Association) 

An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people. Note: an individual’s sexual orientation is independent of their gender identity.  (Human Rights Campaign)


Gender identity - One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.(Human Rights Campaign) 


Gender expression - External appearance of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, body characteristics or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine. (Human Rights Campaign)