Gender Identity and Expression

LGBTQIA

The acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally” Some people also use the Q to stand for "questioning," meaning people who are figuring out their sexual orientation or gender identity. The "A" has also been used by some to refer to "ally."

Speaking of intersex

Born with sex characteristics such as genitals or chromosomes that do not fit the typical definitions of male or female. About 1.7% of the population is intersex, according to the United Nations.

Sex

The biological differences between male and female.

Gender

The societal construction we assign to male and female. When you hear someone say "gender stereotypes," they're referring to the ways we expect men/boys and women/girls to act and behave.

Queer

Originally used as a pejorative slur, queer has now become an umbrella term to describe the myriad ways people reject binary categories of gender and sexual orientation to express who they are. People who identify as queer embrace identities and sexual orientations outside of mainstream heterosexual and gender norms.