source/ ItsPronouncedMetrosexual.com
Cisgender
gender identity where an individual's self-perception of their gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth
Queer
Used to be considered universally offensive. Many LGBTQ people have reclaimed this term as an inclusive, flexible and easy way to represent all members of the LGBTQ community without having to explicitly categorize everyone. It also happens to be a lot easier to say than "LGBTQ"! Caution is advised, though... many people, LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ alike still find this word extremely offensive. The LGBTQ community if far from unanimous in having adopted it, and you are probably safer to avoid the term unless you are sure those around you accept the word and understand that you are using it in a positive way. (So, you should probably ask first)
Transgender/Transgendered
Of or relating to someone who transcends gender assumptions. A transgendered person is one who bridges, defies, or plays with socially defined gender roles, expressions, or identities. Includes (but not limited to) cross-dressers, transsexuals, transgenderists, and intersexuals. Not related to sexual orientation!! - transgendered people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual.
Gender Identity
One's self-concept as male or female (or for some people, both). When a person wants to take on the gender role of the opposite sex, it's called transgender. Example: a biological male whose sense of self is female is transgendered. She is not a gay man, but a transgendered woman. She may be heterosexual, lesbian or bisexual.
Heteronormativity
the assumption that heterosexuality as the norm in any given setting (Shaw and Lee, WFVV, p.167)
Heterosexism
-The presumption that everyone is, should be, or should wish to be heterosexual.
-The belief that heterosexuality is inherently superior to all other sexual orientations.
-The prejudice, bias or discrimination based on these presumptions.
Homophobia
The irrational fear and hatred of gay and lesbian people, or of homosexuality in general. Often used as an umbrella term to include biphobia and transphobia as well. This fear is frequently used to justify discrimination against, isolation of and, in extreme cases, violence against LGBTQ people.
Gay
Of or relating to (usually male) homosexuals or homosexuality. Generally not used as a noun. (so if you hear it used as such, call it out! especially when it is used with a negative connotation)
Recommended usage: "John and Jim are gay men," instead of "John and Jim are gays."
Lesbian
Preferred term for a female homosexual . Note: some lesbians refer to themselves as "gay women", while others believe the word "gay" is specific to men. "Lesbian", on the other hand, is considered the proper word by most, so it is preferred.
Mythical Norm
Idealized characteristics of society that hold power and bring about oppression. For example, it can include being- male, white, thin, Christian and able- bodied.
Privilege
advantages people have by virtue of their status in society. They are not earned!! Different types of privileges include: heterosexual privilege, white privilege, male privilege, cisgender privilege, class privilege, and able bodied privilege. Privilege, as described by Peggy McIntosh, can be thought of as "an invisible package of unearned assets". (Shaw and Lee, WFVV, p.45)
- Source
"LGBTQQ Committee | University of Waterloo | LGBTQQ Language Guide." LGBTQQ Committee | University of Waterloo | LGBTQQ Language Guide. University of Waterloo, 2012. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. <http://www.studentservices.uwaterloo.ca/lgbt/terminology.html>