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QTIPOC QTIPOC stands for Queer, Trans, or Intersex, Person of Colour. ​ < Back to Glossary

Isms A way of describing any attitude, action or institutional structure that oppresses a person or group because of their target group. For example, race (racism), gender (sexism), economic status (classism), older age (ageism), religion (e.g., anti-Semitism), sexual orientation (heterosexism), language/immigrant status (xenophobism), etc. ​ < Back to Glossary

Caregiver A caregiver or carer is a paid or unpaid member of a person's social network who helps them with activities of daily living. Since they have no specific professional training, they are often described as informal caregivers. Taking care of a loved one and being responsible for their health can be very stressful. There are a lot of tasks to juggle, from managing medications to helping with getting dressed or bathing. While family caregiving can be a genuinely rewarding experience, the caregivers often face common challenges that leave them overwhelmed, anxious and/or intimidated by their duties. ​ < Back to Glossary

Shame ​ ​ < Back to Glossary

Religion A particular system of faith and worship which one can devote themselves to. Religion can provide community, and also be used as a tool for stability and a sense of direction or purpose in unstable times. Some people view their religion as an integral part of their identity, culture and wellbeing. See: Community, Belonging and Purpose < Back to Glossary

Authenticity Authenticity is the acknowledgment, and eventual integration of all the aspects that make us who we are. It informs our ability to choose what feels right at any given moment. ​ < Back to Glossary

Polysexual A person who is attracted to more than one gender. ​ < Back to Glossary

Voice The voice is a pathway to connect with, understand and express who we are. We all have feelings, energy and experiences we wish to share. Others need to hear and receive what we have to express and share. Expression and connection are two fundamental drives of humanness. See: Activist, Story-telling and Queer Leadership. < Back to Glossary

Chosen Family A family of choice, also known as chosen family, found family, kith and kin, or hānai family is a term that refers to a non-biologically related group of people established to provide ongoing social support. Unlike a "family of origin", a family of choice is based on chosen bonds, not biological ones. Chosen families are especially important to individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community as a form of connection, especially if being open and accepting of their identity means they have been ostracised by their biological family due to conservative beliefs. ​ < Back to Glossary

Leadership Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a common goal. A leader doesn't need to be the person at the top of the hierarchy or the person with the most power, they can constitute as anyone with influence, or with a desire to create change. See: Activist, Advocate, Influence, Privilege, Values and Hierarchy. < Back to Glossary

Kyriarchy Coined by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, kyriarchy refers to intersecting systems that subjugate and oppress various groups of marginalised people. Kyriarchy is an extension of the concept of patriarchy, encompassing racism, ableism, classism, transphobia, colonialism, etc. ​ < Back to Glossary

Pacific Islanders Pacific Islanders refer to those whose origins are the original peoples of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Polynesia includes Hawaii (Native Hawaiian), Samoa (Samoan), American Samoa (Samoan), Tokelau (Tokelauan), Tahiti (Tahitian), and Tonga (Tongan). Micronesia includes Guam (Guamanian or Chamorro), Mariana Islands (Mariana Islander), Saipan (Saipanese), Palau (Palauan), Yap (Yapanese), Chuuk (Chuukese), Pohnpei (Pohnpeian), Kosrae (Kosraean), Marshall Islands (Marshallese), and Kiribati (I-Kiribat). Melanesia includes Fiji (Fijian), Papau New Guinea (Papua New Guinean), Solomon Islands (Solomon Islander), and Vanuatu (Ni-Vanuatu). (See: Native Hawaiians and Polynesian) < Back to Glossary

Belief "Core beliefs" can refer to one's personal values and ideologies in life, a lot of which can be based upon society or those of whom are close to us. However, beliefs also refer to what we think is true about ourselves. For example, as Queer people or folks from historically marginalised backgrounds, we often grow up applying meaning to certain parts of our identity. Internalised beliefs can have a massive effect on our self-esteem, how we view ourselves, our wellbeing, and ultimately our ability to reach our full potential. In order for us to remove these internal barriers it is important that we check in regularly with ourselves, and question the validity of our own beliefs. ​ < Back to Glossary

Solidarity If someone shows solidarity, they show unwavering unity and support for another group or person. ​ < Back to Glossary

People who menstruate A more inclusive term used by informed health care providers, because it includes transgender men and non-binary people as well. This also decouples menstruation from womanhood. ​ < Back to Glossary

Spirituality Spirituality is a broad term used to describe systems of faith or sacred beliefs. People who have their own unique belief system or one that pulls elements from various organised religions or traditions may describe themselves as "spiritual". ​ < Back to Glossary

Nordic Model The Nordic model is an approach to laws regarding sex work, where buying sex work is illegal but selling it is not. While this model appears to protect sex workers, the reality is that it increases stigmatisation and violence towards them. See: Sex Work. < Back to Glossary

Grounding Emotional grounding is a coping strategy intended to assure safety and control in the midst of overwhelming emotions like rage, stress, sadness, or panic. It is simply a stop-gap—a way to detach from emotional pain as quickly and effectively as possible. Grounding is a self-soothing skill to keep you in the present and helps reorient you to the here-and-now and to reality. See: Creativity, Breathwork and Minority Stress. < Back to Glossary

Latin(a/o/e/x) People who originate, or who have heritage from anywhere in Latin America (including Brazil). Latin people can be any race or colour. Latina - someone who identifies as female who comes from Latin America. Latino - to someone who identifies as male. Latine - a non-binary person from Latin America, to be used instead of ‘Latinx,’ which holds colonial connotations. (See: Hispanic) < Back to Glossary

Equality The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. There is a long way until the LGBTQIA+ Community achieves true equality worldwide, and we must work hard to campaign and make changes as Queer Leaders if we are to reach that ultimate goal. ​ < Back to Glossary