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Appropriation The inappropriate or unacknowledged adoption of an element or elements of one's culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from minority cultures. When thinking specifically about the appropriation of the LGBTQIA+ community, Queerbaiting is a prime example of this. ​ < Back to Glossary

Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. Many question whether they're deserving of accolades. This feeling is compounded when someone belongs to a marginalised community. ​ < Back to Glossary

Community A community is typically a social unit with commonality - such as place, religion, values, or identity. Communities may exist physically, or in virtual spaces through digital communication platforms. People tend to look to their communities for three things: a sense of security, human connections and a feeling of belonging. When we refer to the LGBTQ+ community we're generally referring to a loosely defined grouping of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals united by a common culture and social movements. There really is no single LGBTQ+ community, rather a very diverse group population of genders and sexualities that come from all racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. What we do see however are smaller communities that exist and emerge under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, where individuals more easily connect with others who share the same values, interests or mission. ​ < Back to Glossary

Equity The fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is necessary to provide equal opportunities to all groups. ​ < Back to Glossary

Gender Expression How someone outwardly expresses their gender through their appearance, clothing, make-up, behaviour, mannerisms and speech. ​ < Back to Glossary

Misgender Misgendering is when you refer to someone using a pronoun or gendered word that does not correctly reflect their gender identity. Misgendering is most commonly experienced by trans people and can be distressing or trigger gender dysphoria. If you misgender someone the best thing to do is correct yourself quickly and move on without bringing too much unnecessary attention to it, then remember to practice using the correct pronouns in your own time. ​ < Back to Glossary

Success Success is a relative term but widely understood as achieving personal goals, whatever they may be. As Queer individuals, our ideas of success can often be different to the rest of society, however this does not make them less valid. Success could relate to achievement in your professional life, but equally, your idea of success could be more rooted in your personal relationship, mental and physical wellbeing, or a mix of all of the above. See: Achievement, Authenticity, Confidence, Growth, Story-telling , Self-actualisation, Personal Development, Purpose, Resilience. < Back to Glossary

Attraction When we hear "attraction" we tend to think of romantic or sexual attraction, but there are many other types of attraction that we can feel. Sexual Attraction – Attraction, arousal and desire for sex, often caused by physical traits. Romantic Attraction – Emotional attraction and a desire to be romantically involved with someone, not inherently sexual. Alterous Attraction – Desire for emotional closeness. Aesthetic Attraction – Attracted to the appearance of a person, that is not inherently romantic or sexual. Sensual Attraction – A desire for physical contact short of actual sex. Emotional Attraction – Attraction to a person’s soul, personality, mind, dreams, and heart Intellectual Attraction – Attraction to a person’s intelligence See also: Sexuality, Orientation < Back to Glossary

Role Model A role model is someone to be looked up to, who sets an example for those around them. Role models are important for our self-development as they provide us with an ideal to aspire to that will help us shape our goals, values and ambitions. See: Queer Leadership and Change-Maker. < Back to Glossary

Achillean Also known as Men Loving Men (MLM), describes men, male-leaning individuals, or masculine-aligned people of all genders who are attracted to other men, male-leaning individuals, or masculine-aligned people of all genders. ​ < Back to Glossary

Privilege In social studies, privilege is defined as the advantages and benefits that individuals receive because of social groups they are perceived to be a part of. In DEI we often describe Privilege as barriers that someone hasn't had to face, simply based on their upbringing, background or identities that they hold - ie race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, immigration status, education, religion, wealth, and class, among many other characteristics. ​ < Back to Glossary

Hormones Hormone therapy or hormonal therapy is the use of hormones in medical treatment. Gender-affirming hormones are used to alter someone's physical appearance to more closely align their physical body with their gender identity. Testosterone therapy is used to suppress female secondary sex characteristics and masculinize transgender men. Feminizing hormone therapy typically is used by transgender women and nonbinary people to produce physical changes in the body that are caused by female hormones during puberty. Those changes are called secondary sex characteristics. ​ < Back to Glossary

Courageous Communication Courageous communication is the cornerstone of exceptional leadership. In tough times, it’s leaders who are brave, candid and innovative who steer their company or community to success. Courageous communication can mean having difficult conversations, challenging leadership, or making those around us aware of inappropriate or offensive behaviour; conveying how we truly feel. Courageous communication may also be even sharing part of your story that you've kept hidden until now. See: Coming Out, Calling In & Calling Out. < Back to Glossary

Polyamory The practice of engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships, with the consent of all the people involved. ​ < Back to Glossary

Code-switch Code-switching refers to the ways in which a member of an underrepresented group (consciously or unconsciously) adjusts their language, syntax, grammatical structure, behaviour, and appearance to fit into the dominant culture. (Also see Masking) ​ < Back to Glossary

Patriarchy A system of society or government in which men hold the power. Patriarchy is practiced systemically in the ways and methods through which power is distributed in society (jobs and positions of power given to men in government, policy, criminal justice, etc.) while also influencing how we interact with one another interpersonally (gender expectations, sexual dynamics, space-taking, etc.). Patriarchal structures facilitate male privilege. ​ < Back to Glossary

Philanthropy The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. See: Altruism. < Back to Glossary

Holding Space “Holding space” means being physically, mentally, and emotionally present for someone, supporting them as they feel their feelings. Important aspects of holding space are active listening and withholding judgment while remaining calm and present. See: Compassion, Empathy, Empathetic Witness and Healing. < Back to Glossary

Class Class is something that is impossible to ignore in wider society. However, class is rarely something that we speak about in relation to the Queer Community. We all know though, that class can have a profound impact on an individual's life experiences and the level of opportunities that are afforded to them. If a Queer person comes from a lower socio-economic ground, they may face additional layers of disadvantage and discrimination. It is our duty in the Queer Community and as allies to help lift each other up, and use our positions of privilege to ensure that we can help others in the community, and society more widely. ​ < Back to Glossary

Asylum Seeker A person who leaves their country of birth or residence, enters another country and seeks protection by the state in this other country. An asylum seeker is an immigrant who has been forcibly displaced and might have fled their home country because of war or other factors harming them or their family. ​ < Back to Glossary