This chapter offers an introductory overview of the terminology of sexual and gender diversity, though it is not exhaustive. Please note that the meanings and connotations of the following terms have already evolved and will likely continue to do so in response to a rapidly changing society. In addition, the meanings of the terms may vary from person to person. Whilst some people might find significance and comfort in them, others might not or even resent the idea of labelling their identity (cf. LGBTQIA Resource Centre Glossary, 2025)
It is also important to note that experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity may be shaped by other aspects of identity, such as neurodiversity. For example, autistic and other neurodivergent people may experience, understand, or express gender and sexuality in ways that differ from dominant social expectations. This does not indicate deficit or confusion but reflects the diversity of human experiences and ways of relating to social norms and identity.
In recent years, the visibility of concepts and terms related to sexual and gender diversity has increased in public discourse. Frequently discussed among them are, for example, the terms sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity. Each term represents a distinct aspect of human identity, and together they contribute to the broader understanding of individual diversity.
For many people worldwide, their sexual and gender identities often correspond to traditional, heteronormative expectations of society. For example, a person might have been born with a vulva and was therefore assigned female at birth (sex assigned at birth), they identify as a woman (gender identity) and are sexually and/or romantically attracted to men (sexual orientation). For many, this feels authentic and valid. For others, this is not the case – their experiences of sexuality and/or gender may be more diverse and differ from societal norms. A person may have been assigned female at birth, identify as a woman and be attracted to women. Another person might have been assigned male at birth, identify as a woman, and be asexual. All these experiences are valid expressions of gender and sexual diversity.
Sexual and Gender Diversity Terminology
● Sex assigned at birth: Based on the externally visible genitalia, children, at birth, are typically assigned a sex – female, male, or intersex (inter). Yet, sex is not determined solely by external genitals, but also includes additional components such as chromosomes, hormones, and gonads.
o Inter/Intersex: Whilst most newborns are either assigned male or female at birth, about 1,7% of the world’s population is born with “[…]sex characteristics (such as sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns and/or chromosomal patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies” (OHCHR, 2025). This is called intersex. Intersex is a variation in sex characteristics that occurs within human biological diversity (cf. GLAAD, 2025).
● Gender: Gender can be defined as “a socially constructed set of norms, roles and behaviours. These are associated with the sex assigned to a person at birth, which
shapes their access to power, resources, and equitable enjoyment of rights, among other areas” (Amnesty International, 2025). They begin with expectations about newborn clothing and continue to influence toy choices later. These associations extend to hairstyles, appearance, accessories, body language, mannerisms, behaviours, care work, wage labour and beyond. Gender as a cultural construct can vary across historical periods and between societies.
● Gender Identity: Gender identity refers to a person’s deep and inner sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with an individual’s sex assigned at birth.
o Cis People whose gender identity corresponds with their sex assigned at birth are called cis or cisgender.
o Trans or transgender, on the other hand, is “a gender identity and umbrella term for people whose gender differs from, or does not sit comfortably within, the gender they were assigned at birth” (Amnesty International, 2024). There are various gender identities, among others, boy, girl, man, woman, or non-binary. Sometimes, trans people affirm their gender socially, medically, and/or legally in order “to bring their gender expression and/or their body into alignment with their gender identity” (GLAAD, 2025). This process is commonly referred to as transition.
o The term non-binary does not only refer to a gender identity, but it is also used as an umbrella term “for people whose identity falls outside the gender binary. Some people do not identify wholly or at all with the gender they were assigned at birth – some people have no gender at all” (cf. idem).
● Gender Expression: The way an individual presents their gender identity externally. This can encompass behaviours, including gestures, body language or gait, as well as aspects of appearance such as hairstyles or accessories, and the use of names and pronouns. Gender expression may or may not align with a person’s gender identity and/or sex assigned at birth (cf. Pridecorner, 2025).
● Sexual Orientation: To describe someone’s sexual, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to another person, the term sexual orientation is used. There are various sexual orientations. Please note that the following list is not exhaustive:
o Straight (heterosexual): sexual and/or romantic attraction to people of a different gender than one’s own.
o Gay (homosexual): sexual and/or romantic attraction to people of the same gender. The term is often used by men, though some women and non-binary people also use it.
o Lesbian (homosexual): women who are sexually/romantically attracted to the same gender.
o Bisexual: sexual and/or romantic attraction to more than one gender; bisexuality is not limited to attraction to men and women.
o Pansexual: sexual and/or romantic attraction to people regardless of their gender or gender identity.
o Asexual: experiencing little or no sexual attraction.
o Aromantic: absence of romantic attraction (cf. Planned Parenthood, 2025).
o Queer: Queer is an umbrella term which refers to “sexual and gender identities other than straight and cisgender” (Planned Parenthood, 2025). Over the course of the past decades, the word queer, which used to be a slur to demean LGBTQ+ people, has been reclaimed by the community, and nowadays, it essentially carries an empowering connotation. Still, not everybody feels comfortable using queer as a word for self-identification (cf. idem.)
Whilst some people have a clear knowledge of their sexual orientation or gender identity, some might not. The process of exploring and gaining clarity about one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity is known as questioning. During this period of self-discovery, individuals may not yet fully understand how they identify or whom they are emotionally and/or sexually attracted to and may still be in the process of figuring it out (cf. Pridecorner, 2025).
IMPORTANT: Labels and self-identifications regarding one’s own sexuality should always be understood as a personal decision and must never be assumed or imposed by others.