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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

Shame ​ ​ < 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

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

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

Family Traditionally, family is defined as a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit. However, we all know that in present-day, families that resemble the traditional nuclear family ideals are in the minority. While for many Queer people, relationships with their families are important and strong, many who are open about their sexuality, gender identity and gender expression are ostracised by those related to them. This is why 'Chosen Families' are so important for Queer people - relationships we forge with close friends who share similar values to us, and those who are there to support us unconditionally where others perhaps don't. See: Belonging, Community and Coming out. < 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

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

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

Influence The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something. We can all use our expertise, our platforms and our spheres of influences to raise awareness and pave the way for positive change in our communities, organisations, our families, and wider society, too - to make the world we live in a better place. ​ < Back to Glossary

Empowerment The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. Empowering ourselves to meet our needs is a cornerstone of self-care and personal growth; improving our wellbeing and quality of life. See: Achievement < Back to Glossary

Connection "Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." - Brené Brown. We all desire human connection; whether it's romantic or platonic. Connection between people is key for us to discover more about our own identities, values and passions. Our connection with ourself can also have a profound effect on our confidence and how we show up in service of others. (see Belonging & Community). ​ < Back to Glossary