Genderqueer Denoting or relating to a person who does not identify themselves as having a fixed gender. (syn. Genderfluid) ​ < Back to Glossary

HIV HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. HIV medicine is called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. If taken as prescribed, HIV medicine reduces the amount of HIV in the body (viral load) to a very low level, which keeps the immune system working and prevents illness. This is called viral suppression. HIV medicine can even make the viral load so low that a test can’t detect it. This is called an undetectable viral load. A person with HIV who takes HIV medicine as prescribed and gets and stays virally suppressed or undetectable can stay healthy and will not transmit HIV to their sex partners. (See AIDS and PrEP) ​ < Back to Glossary

Power Dynamics A "power dynamic" is the way different people or different groups of people interact with each other and where one of these sides is more powerful than the other one. ​ < Back to Glossary

Mental Health Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It relates to how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Our environment and how we are treated by others has a significant effect on our mental health, as it can heavily influence the way we see ourselves. See: Minority Stress, Self-Care, Resilience and Addiction. < Back to Glossary

Homosexual An outdated term to describe a sexual orientation in which a person feels physically and emotionally attracted to people of the same sex or gender. ​ < Back to Glossary

Adoption The adoption of children by same-sex and queer couples is a concept that has recently received more-widespread support in the mainstream and this has been reflected in changes in legislation. This does not mean that same-sex and queer parents do not face opposition to adopting children from those who are more conservative. Adoption is a great way for same-sex/queer couples who are not able to conceive naturally to expand their family, and also provide a loving home to a child who is disadvantaged. It is also common for couples who can conceive to adopt out of a desire to positively impact the life of a child living in care. (See: Family and Fostering) < Back to Glossary

Creating Space Creating Space is about prioritising time for self-care, personal growth, and connection with ourselves and others - which we all need to do more of, in an effort to preserve our energy and reach our full potential. See: Burnout & Voice. < Back to Glossary

Person of Colour (POC) Someone who does not consider themselves to be white. ​ < Back to Glossary

Faith Belief in the teachings of a religion. Having a faith can be a powerful anchor in life that gives believers a sense of purpose and contentment. See: Belief, Religion and Spirituality. < Back to Glossary

Cancel Cancel culture or call-out culture is a phrase contemporary to the late 2010s and early 2020s used to refer to a form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. Those subject to this ostracism are said to have been "cancelled". ​ < Back to Glossary

Calling In Addressing someone privately and making them aware that something they’ve said/done is not acceptable and perhaps suggest how they could change their behaviour. This is a good first resort for gently asking someone to modify their behaviour, especially if it was a mistake and they were unaware. While it can be tempting to call out someone for their actions, this should really only be a last resort after several attempts to call them in. Individuals are much less likely to take on valid criticism if they feel attacked while receiving it, and while it is not our responsibility to protect the feelings of people who are causing hurt to others, we can create a more productive conversation by approaching with empathy and compassion. Here are some calling-in examples: - "Could you elaborate on what you meant by [insert statement, process, or word you want to understand]? I want to understand your perspective better." - "I value your intentions and would like to discuss how your words/actions impact me/others. Can we have a constructive conversation about this?" - "I understand your point of view, but I think we can explore this issue more deeply. Let's revisit [insert word or statement] and consider other perspectives." - "Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I’d like to add to the conversation by discussing how we can improve our diversity efforts. For instance..." - "You mentioned that this process has been successful in the past. How can we build on that success while also being more inclusive? Let's brainstorm some ideas together." Calling Out < Back to Glossary

Gay Gay is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. The term originally meant 'carefree', 'cheerful', or 'bright and showy'. While scant usage referring to male homosexuality dates to the late 19th century, that meaning became increasingly common by the mid-20th century. ​ < Back to Glossary

Virtue Signalling The action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one's good character or the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue. ​ < Back to Glossary

Masking Masking in psychology and sociology is the process in which an individual "masks" or camouflages their natural personality or behaviour to conform to social pressures, abuse or harassment. ​ < Back to Glossary

IVF In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby. During IVF, an egg is removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, called an embryo, is then returned to the woman's womb to grow and develop. ​ < Back to Glossary

Transgender A transgender person is someone whose gender identity or gender expression does not correspond with their sex or gender assigned at birth. Many transgender people experience dysphoria, which they sometimes seek to alleviate through transitioning, often adopting a different name and set of pronouns in the process. See: Transition. < Back to Glossary

Decolonise The active and intentional process of unlearning values, beliefs and conceptions that have caused physical, emotional or mental harm to people through colonisation. It requires a recognition of systems of oppression. See: Colonialism. < Back to Glossary

Gillick competence A term originating in England and Wales used in medical law to decide whether a child is able to consent to their own medical treatment, without the need for parental permission or knowledge. This term carries particular importance when thinking about those who wish to transition under the age of 16. ​ < Back to Glossary

Altruism Altruism is the principle and moral practice of concern for the welfare and/or happiness of other human beings or animals. ​ < Back to Glossary

Growth “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” - John Maxwell. Our experiences are never static, and we are always going through a constant state of flux; but how we learn from and manage that change informs our opportunity for growth. Everything that we go through shapes us as humans. Personal growth is the act of developing as an individual. The term can be used to describe personal development in several areas including mental, physical, and emotional health. These areas are often interlinked and the ultimate aim of each personal growth goal will be to enrich all areas of your life. See: Confidence, Community, Belonging, Compassion and Empathy. < Back to Glossary