Gender Dysphoria is a term used to describe the psychological distress that results from a discrepancy between a person's gender identity and the sex assigned to them at birth. Individuals experiencing gender dysphoria may feel discomfort, anxiety, and a persistent sense of incongruence with their physical body or the gender roles expected of them by society. This condition can impact one's emotional and mental health, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Treatment and support for gender dysphoria vary according to individual needs but may include gender-affirming medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or surgery, and psychological support to assist individuals in navigating their gender identity in a way that promotes overall well-being and congruence between their physical appearance and gender identity.

Gender Euphoria is the profound sense of satisfaction, happiness, or joy that a person may experience when their gender identity is recognized, affirmed, or expressed in a way that aligns with their true self. This can occur in various contexts, such as being correctly gendered by others, engaging in gender-affirming practices (like dressing in a way that matches one's gender identity), or undergoing medical interventions that allow the individual to more closely align their physical appearance with their gender identity. Unlike gender dysphoria, which focuses on distress and discomfort, gender euphoria highlights positive experiences related to one's gender expression and identity, underscoring the importance of support, acceptance, and affirmation in the well-being of transgender and non-binary individuals.

"Gender expansive" is a term used to describe individuals who perceive their gender identity as beyond the conventional categories of male and female. This term encompasses a wide range of gender experiences and includes those who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, and more. It highlights a broader, more inclusive understanding of gender, emphasizing the fluidity and spectrum of gender beyond the binary framework. Individuals who identify as gender expansive often seek to express and live their gender in ways that feel most authentic to them, challenging traditional gender norms and roles.

"Gender expression" refers to the external display of one's gender identity through clothing, behavior, body characteristics, and other gender-related attributes. It is how individuals choose to manifest their gender externally and may or may not conform to society's expectations of gender norms. Gender expression can vary widely, including traditionally masculine, feminine, a blend of both, or neither. This expression is a fundamental aspect of an individual's personal identity and can differ from their gender identity or biological sex.

"Gender fluid" or "genderfluid" describes a gender identity that is not fixed and varies over time. A genderfluid person may feel more masculine on some days and more feminine on others, or they may feel like a mix of both or neither, depending on the day or situation. This fluidity in gender expression allows genderfluid individuals to navigate and express their identity in ways that feel most authentic to them at different times. The concept challenges traditional binary notions of gender, emphasizing a flexible, personalized understanding of gender beyond fixed categories.

Gender gifted is a term used to describe individuals who possess a unique or broad understanding and experience of gender beyond conventional binary norms. This term often applies to those who identify as genderqueer, non-binary, or genderfluid, acknowledging the diversity and richness of their gender experiences as a positive and enriching aspect of their identity. The notion of being "gender gifted" celebrates the fluidity and varied expressions of gender, viewing these traits as gifts that contribute to a more inclusive understanding of gender in society.

"Gender identity" refers to a person's deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. It involves a personal conception of oneself as male, female, a blend of both, or neither, and can include identities outside the male-female binary. This self-identification can influence one’s gender expression but is distinct from it, as expression deals more with external manifestations of gender, such as clothing and behavior, while identity is about internal self-recognition.

Gender illusionist refers to an individual, typically within the performance or drag communities, who presents and performs gender in a way that intentionally plays with or disrupts traditional gender norms. This term is often associated with drag queens and drag kings who use clothing, makeup, and theatrical techniques to create a stylized and exaggerated representation of gender as part of their performance. The term highlights the performative aspect of gender, emphasizing it as an art form that can challenge and explore the boundaries of gender identity and expression.

"Gender marker" refers to the designation of a person’s gender on official documents and identification such as passports, driver’s licenses, and birth certificates. This marker is typically represented by the letters M (male), F (female), or increasingly, X or another character to acknowledge non-binary, genderfluid, or other gender-nonconforming identities. The ability to change or choose a gender marker that accurately reflects one’s gender identity is a significant issue in the realms of legal rights and personal identity, impacting various aspects of daily life and personal recognition by society.

"Gender neutral" describes an approach or policy that does not specifically cater to or prefer any gender. It is often used to refer to language, clothing, facilities, and other areas where gender distinctions are minimized or eliminated to promote inclusivity and reduce discrimination. Gender-neutral language, for instance, avoids using pronouns or descriptors that imply a specific gender, replacing them with terms like "they/them" or "person" instead of "he/she" or "man/woman." Gender-neutral clothing and bathrooms are designed to be suitable for individuals of any gender, focusing on functionality and inclusivity without traditional gender markers.

"Gender neutrois" refers to a non-binary gender identity that is characterized by a neutral or null gender experience. Individuals who identify as neutrois often seek a gender expression that is ambiguous or androgynous, aiming to minimize or eliminate the outward representation of any gender. This identity can involve feelings of being genderless or a desire to be perceived without gender markers. Neutrois can be a part of the broader transgender umbrella, as it pertains to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. People identifying as neutrois may also pursue medical or surgical interventions to align their physical appearance more closely with their gender identity.

"Gender Non-Conforming" (GNC) describes individuals whose gender expression defies society's norms and expectations regarding the gender roles assigned to males and females. This term encompasses a wide range of gender expressions that might not necessarily align with an individual's assigned gender at birth. GNC can apply to anyone who feels that their gender expression, whether through clothing, behaviors, or personal aesthetic, does not conform to the traditional expectations of masculinity or femininity. Importantly, being GNC does not imply any specific sexual orientation; it is solely related to gender expression.

"Gender normative" refers to behaviors, appearances, and roles that conform to societal expectations traditionally associated with one's gender, particularly in relation to being male or female. This term is often used to describe individuals whose gender expression aligns with the cultural norms expected of their gender identity. It implies adherence to the roles and expectations that are socially constructed for men and women, often contrasting with non-normative expressions seen in gender non-conforming or transgender identities. Gender normative can also reflect the societal pressures to conform to specific gender roles and behaviors.

"Gender outlaw" is a term popularized by author and transgender activist Kate Bornstein in her book of the same name. It refers to individuals who challenge or outright reject the traditional binary gender norms and roles imposed by society. Gender outlaws often transcend conventional understandings of gender through their identity and expression, actively questioning and defying what it means to be categorically male or female. This identity is embraced particularly by those who feel that they do not fit within the traditional labels of gender, advocating for a more fluid and inclusive approach to gender identity and expression.

The Gender Recognition Act is a legislative framework that allows transgender and non-binary individuals to receive legal recognition of their gender identity. Initially implemented in several countries to enable people to change their gender marker on official documents such as birth certificates and passports, the specifics of the Act can vary by jurisdiction. Typically, these laws outline the process by which individuals can legally affirm their gender, often involving requirements such as medical diagnosis or proof of living in the gender with which they identify. The Act is crucial for ensuring that transgender individuals' legal identities align with their gender identity, impacting various rights and recognitions under the law.

A Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is an official document issued by a government that legally recognizes an individual's gender identity, aligning it with their experienced and expressed gender rather than the sex assigned at birth. This certificate is crucial for transgender and non-binary people as it allows the alteration of their legal gender on official documents such as birth certificates and passports. Obtaining a GRC often involves a formal process that can include providing evidence of living in one's affirmed gender for a set period, medical documentation, and sometimes appearing before a panel. The criteria and process can vary by country but are designed to provide legal acknowledgment and protection of a person's gender identity.

The "Gender Unicorn" is an educational tool designed to help explain the concepts of gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, physical attraction, and emotional attraction. It features a cartoon unicorn graphic and is used primarily in training sessions, workshops, and educational settings to facilitate discussions about diversity in gender and sexuality. The tool differentiates between these dimensions using simple, visual representations to clarify that gender, sex, and attraction are spectra and not binary options. It was created as a more inclusive alternative to previous models like the "Genderbread Person," specifically addressing the needs and insights of transgender individuals and their experiences.

"Gender variant" refers to individuals whose gender expression or identity differs from the societal expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. This term encompasses a wide range of gender identities and expressions, including non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid, among others. Gender variance highlights the diversity within gender expressions and identities, acknowledging that not everyone fits into the conventional categories of male or female. This concept is important for understanding the fluidity of gender and for advocating for the recognition and rights of those who diverge from traditional gender norms.

"Gender X" is a designation used on legal documents, including driver's licenses and birth certificates, to represent a non-binary gender identity. It provides an option for those who do not identify exclusively as male or female. The introduction of Gender X is part of a growing recognition and acceptance of non-binary and gender-nonconforming identities within legal and governmental frameworks. It allows individuals who do not fit traditional gender categories to have their identity legally recognized, which is crucial for their visibility, rights, and validation in society.

Gender Affirmation Surgery (GAS), also known as gender confirmation surgery or sex reassignment surgery, refers to the surgical procedures that some transgender and non-binary individuals may choose to undergo as part of their transition to more fully align their physical bodies with their gender identity. These procedures can include top surgery (breast augmentation or removal) and bottom surgery (altering the genitals), among others, depending on the individual's needs and goals for their transition. It's important to note that not all transgender or non-binary people will desire or have access to these surgeries, and one's gender identity is not dependent on undergoing medical procedures. GAS is a deeply personal choice and can be a critical step towards alleviating gender dysphoria and helping individuals live more comfortably in their own skin.

"Genderism" or "cissexism" refers to the belief and resultant discrimination that presumes a binary gender system as the only norm, thereby privileging cisgender identities and marginalizing or invalidating transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. It encompasses a range of prejudicial attitudes and behaviors that enforce traditional gender roles and the gender binary, often manifesting in the systemic inequality and exclusion experienced by those who do not conform to these norms. This form of discrimination can occur in social, legal, medical, and institutional contexts, hindering the rights and recognition of gender-diverse individuals.

"Genderqueer" is a term used to describe a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female. It falls under the broader non-binary umbrella and is characterized by a gender expression or identity that may combine elements of both, neither, or something entirely different. People who identify as genderqueer may experience their gender as fluid, shifting between different identities at different times, or as stable but outside traditional gender norms. This identity challenges conventional understandings of gender and often seeks to disrupt or blur the distinctions between genders.

The Genderqueer Pride Flag represents the genderqueer community and features three horizontal stripes: lavender, white, and chartreuse. The lavender stripe symbolizes the blending of traditional male and female genders as it is a mix of blue and pink—the colors commonly used to represent these genders. The white stripe represents agender or gender-neutral identities, acknowledging those who do not identify within the gender binary. The chartreuse stripe, the inverse of lavender, symbolizes identities that exist outside and without reference to the binary. This flag is a symbol of pride, diversity, and the various gender experiences within the genderqueer community.

The Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a national organization that connects school-based GSAs to each other and community resources through peer support, leadership development, and advocacy. GSAs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied students to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. The GSA Network empowers young activists to advocate for equitable treatment and inclusivity in educational settings, supporting broad social change around gender and sexual orientation issues. Their work enhances the school climate for LGBTQ+ students and promotes acceptance and rights within the educational system.

Gilbert Baker was an American artist and LGBTQ+ rights activist best known for designing the Rainbow Flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity. Created in 1978, the flag was first used at San Francisco's Gay Freedom Day Parade. Baker's design originally included eight colors, each with its own symbolic meaning, such as red for life and violet for spirit. Over time, the flag evolved into the six-striped version commonly seen today. Gilbert Baker's contributions to the LGBTQ+ community extend beyond the flag, as he was also involved in various activist efforts promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.