Gender and Sexuality Vocabulary

gender, sexuality, masculine, feminine, androgynous, binary, non-binary, genderqueer, transgender, cisgender, transition, dysphoria, identity, expression, orientation, homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, queer, LGBTQ+, intersex, fluid, agender, bigender, genderfluid, gender-neutral, pronouns, misgender, deadname, polyamorous, monogamous, gender roles, patriarchy, matriarchy, feminism, equality, equity, inclusivity, heteronormativity, homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, panphobia, gender spectrum, sexuality spectrum, spectrum, ally, advocate, pride, coming out, closet, heterosexism, discrimination, oppression, empowerment, representation, visibility, intersectionality, marginalisation, identity politics, safe space, gender studies, sexuality studies, heterosexual privilege, Queer Theory, binary normativity, gender fluidity, gender identity disorder, gender affirmation, sexual health, sexual rights, sexual liberation, non-conforming, third gender, gender variance, masculinity, femininity, gender reassignment, transgender rights, inclusive language, misogyny, misandry, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, gender expression, Gender identity, LGBTQ+ community, gender norms, cultural gender norms, hegemonic masculinity, toxic masculinity, femme, butch, tomboy, genderqueer, Queer culture, sexual diversity, gender parity.

Definitions and Examples:

1. Gender: The state of being male, female, or non-binary, often based on societal and cultural roles.
• Example: Ada identifies with a non-binary gender and prefers they/them pronouns.
2. Sexuality: A person's capacity for sexual feelings and their orientation.
• Example: Chinedu discussed his sexuality openly, explaining that he is pansexual.
3. Masculine: Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men.
• Example: Despite his gentle demeanour, David was praised for his masculine strength during the village wrestling competition.
4. Feminine: Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of women.
• Example: Nkechi embraced her feminine side by wearing traditional gele headwraps.
5. Androgynous: Partly male and partly female in appearance; of indeterminate sex.
• Example: Kemi's androgynous fashion sense often sparked conversations at the university.
6. Binary: Relating to, composed of, or involving two things.
• Example: Many traditional cultures adhere to a binary understanding of gender.
7. Non-binary: Not relating to, composed of, or involving just two things.
• Example: Femi, who identifies as non-binary, uses both he/him and they/them pronouns.
8. Genderqueer: A person who does not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions.
• Example: Ayo identifies as genderqueer and enjoys blending elements of both masculine and feminine styles.
9. Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not correspond with their birth sex.
• Example: Amara, a transgender woman, is advocating for better healthcare services in Nigeria.
10. Cisgender: A person whose gender identity matches their birth sex.
• Example: Bisi, who is cisgender, supports her transgender friends by attending LGBTQ+ events.
11. Transition: The process of changing one's gender presentation and/or sex characteristics to accord with their gender identity.
• Example: During his transition, Tunde found support in a local LGBTQ+ community group.
12. Dysphoria: A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction, often used in the context of gender.
• Example: Kelechi experienced gender dysphoria from a young age, prompting them to seek supportive counselling.
13. Identity: The qualities, beliefs, personality, looks, and expressions that make a person or group.
• Example: Efe's identity as a queer artist informs much of their work.
14. Expression: The process of making known one's thoughts or feelings.
• Example: Uche's gender expression includes wearing colourful beads and traditional attire.
15. Orientation: A person's sexual preference or identity.
• Example: Chinyere's sexual orientation as bisexual was something she openly discussed with her close friends.
16. Homosexual: Attracted to people of one's own sex.
• Example: During Pride Month, Emeka proudly celebrated his homosexual relationship with his partner.
17. Heterosexual: Attracted to people of the opposite sex.
• Example: Ade is heterosexual and has been happily married to his wife for ten years.
18. Bisexual: Attracted to both men and women.
• Example: Funmi identifies as bisexual and feels comfortable dating people of any gender.
19. Pansexual: Not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.
• Example: Kunle's pansexuality means he falls in love with people regardless of their gender.
20. Asexual: Experiencing no sexual attraction to others.
• Example: Tola identifies as asexual and focuses on deep platonic relationships.
21. Queer: An umbrella term used for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or cisgender.
• Example: Zara proudly identifies as queer and is an active member of the local LGBTQ+ community.
22. LGBTQ+: An acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or questioning) and others.
• Example: The LGBTQ+ community in Lagos is growing more visible and active each year.
23. Intersex: A person born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
• Example: Efe, who is intersex, educates others about the diversity of human biology.
24. Fluid: Not rigid or fixed; likely to change.
• Example: James describes his gender as fluid, feeling more masculine some days and more feminine on others.
25. Agender: A person who does not identify as having a gender.
• Example: Olu identifies as agender and prefers the pronouns they/them.
26. Bigender: Identifying as two genders, either simultaneously or switching between them.
• Example: Halima, who is bigender, uses both she/her and he/him pronouns depending on the day.
27. Genderfluid: Not having a fixed gender; fluctuating between genders.
• Example: Tosin's genderfluid identity allows them to freely express both masculine and feminine traits.
28. Gender-neutral: Suitable for, applicable to, or common to both male and female genders.
• Example: The school adopted gender-neutral bathrooms to be more inclusive.
29. Pronouns: Words used to refer to people in conversation (e.g., he, she, they).
• Example: It's important to ask for and use the correct pronouns for everyone, as Aisha reminded her classmates.
30. Misgender: To refer to someone, especially a transgender person, using a word or address that does not correctly reflect the gender with which they identify.
• Example: Kemi felt hurt when her teacher misgendered her during roll call.
31. Deadname: A name that a transgender person was given at birth but no longer uses.
• Example: Please respect Femi by not using their deadname in conversation.
32. Polyamorous: Having intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the consent of all partners involved.
• Example: In the documentary, Nnenna shared her experience of living a polyamorous lifestyle.
33. Monogamous: Being in a relationship with only one partner at a time.
• Example: Despite societal pressure, Chioma and Obi have chosen a monogamous relationship.
34. Gender roles: Societal norms dictating the types of behaviours considered acceptable based on one's gender.
• Example: Breaking traditional gender roles, Adaobi became a mechanic in her hometown.
35. Patriarchy: A social system where men hold primary power.
• Example: The village elders discussed ways to dismantle the patriarchy and promote gender equality.
36. Matriarchy: A social system where women hold primary power.
• Example: The community's matriarchy has been led by women for centuries.
37. Feminism: The advocacy of women's rights based on equality of the sexes.
• Example: As a proponent of feminism, Ngozi works tirelessly to ensure women have equal opportunities.
38. Equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.
• Example: The new policies were implemented to promote gender equality in the workplace.
39. Equity: Fairness or justice in the way people are treated.
• Example: The NGO focuses on achieving gender equity in education.
40. Sexual orientation: A person's pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others.
• Example: Olawale's sexual orientation as a gay man was a topic he discussed openly with his family.