Sexual and gender diversity

Bisexual 
A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of more than one sex (but not necessarily equally attracted to each). It is an umbrella term that people may use to describe a diverse array of sexualities.

Cisgender person
Someone whose personal and gender identity corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth.

Closeted
Hiding one’s sexuality from others.

Coming out
The process through which a person comes to recognise and acknowledge their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Fluid 
Acknowledgement that sexual identity, attractions and behaviours are often fluid - shifting and changing over time and experience. The same is true for gender.

Gay 
A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to a member of the same sex. The term is most commonly applied to men. 

Gender
Refers to range of characteristics that pertain to and are used to differentiate between masculinity and femininity, resulting in assigned ‘roles’ based on societal assumptions and expectations. Often this is first assigned at birth and stems from assumptions regarding biological sex, gender identity and social structures.

Gender assigned at birth
The categories that people are divided into based upon their biological and reproductive organs, hormone expression and chromosomal composition at birth. In humans, the biological definition of a male includes the presence of XY chromosomes, higher levels of testosterone, a penis and testes. In females, this is the presence of XX chromosomes, higher levels of testosterone, a penis and testes. In females, this is the presence of XX chromosomes, higher levels of estrogen, a vagina, a uterus and ovaries. For intersex people, they possess a reproductive or sexual anatomy that do not fit these typical definitions and is something that they are born with.

Gender diverse
A term used to describe someone whose gender identity does not correspond with the gender traditionally associated with their sex.

Gender expression
Gender expression includes all the ways a person communicates their gender based on societal factors such as gender norms and perceptions. These can be anything from clothes, make-up, language, behaviour and traditions. Gender expression is how a person outwardly shows their gender identity. It includes physical expressions such as a person’s clothing, hairstyle, makeup, and social expressions such as name and pronoun choice. Some examples of gender expression are masculine, feminine, and androgynous. Some people have the same gender expression all the time, while others may change their expression over time or based on circumstances. Some play with gender expression for theatrical purposes, or ‘drag’, and people can choose to express their gender identity in difference ways at different times. It can be psychologically distressing for some people who do not feel safe or comfortable expressing their gender identity.

Gender Neutral
The avoidance of distinguishing roles or language that is a reference to a specific gender or sex, therefore avoiding discrimination based on the social perception of gender. Language of this nature instead refers to people in general.

Homophobia
Homophobic bullying can include physical violence, name calling, ‘jokes’, sexual harassment or online bullying. Bullying on the basis of sexuality is a common experience for young people who are same sex attracted or for those who may not behave according to gender stereotypes.

Homosexual
A clinical term used to define a person who is emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

Intersex
Someone that possesses a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typical definitions of male or female based on the understanding of biological sex. Examples include possessing chromosomal variation such as ‘X’ or ‘XXY’ or a hormone insensitivity. This can be manifested as external or internal physical differences and identified at birth or later in life.

Lesbian
A woman who is primarily romantically and/or sexually attracted to women.

LGBTQIA+
Is an umbrella acronym for the array of identities that may be associated together. The acronym components are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and the “+” represents all the many other identities that exist beyond those listed.

Outed
Having one’s sexual orientation made public against one’s will. This is risky and may cause much harm to the person.

Pansexual (from the Greek 'Pan' meaning 'all') 
Recognising the potential of sexual attraction to all people, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Queer
Queer is an umbrella term which describes sexual and gender minorities. This means anyone who is not heterosexual and/or cisgender e.g. non-binary, genderfluid, agender, bisexual, pansexual.

Queer Affirming
Many organisations claim to be tolerant or inclusive of queer people. Queer Affirming goes beyond this - it means they will actively affirm and support their identity (supporting their identity and the challenges they face) as opposed to tolerating and accepting it.

Questioning
A term to describe those unsure of their sexual orientation/gender identity and/or asking questions about sexuality and gender.

Same-sex attraction
Attraction towards people of one’s own gender.

Sex
The categories that people are divided into based upon their biological and reproductive organs, hormone expression and chromosomal composition at birth. In humans, the biological definition of a male includes the presence of XY chromosomes, higher levels of testosterone, a penis and testes. In females, this is the presence of XX chromosomes, higher levels of estrogen, a vagina, a uterus and ovaries. For intersex people, they possess a reproductive or sexual anatomy that do not fit these typical definitions and is something that they are born with. 

Sexual orientation
The gender identity you are attracted to.

Sexuality
The term can mean actual sexual experience, sexual desire or self-identity. The three are not necessarily consistent with each other. 
For example, a person’s sexual behaviour may not necessarily represent their sexual orientation. 

Straight
A colloquial term used to describe people who are solely attracted to the opposite sex.

Transgender
A transgender individual is someone that does not correlate their gender identity with that which they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not correlate with just those that identify as men or women, but also those that do not have a binary gender.

Transphobia
Transphobia is the fear, hatred, disbelief, or mistrust of people who are transgender, thought to be transgender, or whose gender expression does not conform to traditional gender roles. Transphobia can prevent transgender and gender nonconforming people from living full lives free from harm. Transphobia can take many different forms, including negative attitudes and beliefs, aversion to and prejudice against transgender people, irrational fear and misunderstanding, disbelief or discounting preferred pronouns or gender identity, derogatory language and name-calling, bullying, abuse, and even violence.

Words mean different things to different people. Some are acceptable and others are considered offensive and derogatory. In recent years, some people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex or transsexual have reclaimed words to describe their identity that could be considered offensive by others. For example, the term 'queer' can be used as a term inclusive of all those who experience oppression on the basis of their sex, sexual practices, sexuality or gender identity or it can mean weird, odd, or strange.

As a general rule, those who do not claim the identity themselves should not use these terms. Statements such as “that’s so gay” are also demeaning to people who identify as gay and are best avoided. Challenging homophobic jokes and derogatory comments by speaking up and naming them for what they are also goes some way into creating an environment inclusive of sexual diversity.

Historically, the term 'homosexual' was associated with deviance, criminal behaviour and mental illness. It is therefore preferable, when referring to specific groups, to use terms such as 'lesbian' or 'gay man' rather than the term 'homosexual'. 

When referring to 'transgender' people, use the pronoun which represents the gender expressed by the person in question (i.e. him/his, they/them or her/she).

Avoid words and language that perpetuate negative stereotypes about diverse genders, sexes and sexualities.

Using inclusive language is an important part of creating an environment that recognises and affirms sexual and gender diversity. Language that reinforces the assumption that all personal relationships are exclusively heterosexual denies the lived realities of same-sex couples and is best avoided. For example, where the sexual identity or marital status of a person is unknown, use the term 'partner' instead of 'husband' or 'wife'. It is also important to use language which is inclusive of gender diversity. For example, always using someone's preferred name, and asking what pronouns someone uses if you are unsure.

Affirming diverse genders, sexes and sexualities also requires challenging heteronormative and cisgendered assumptions (either intentional or unintentional) in both the teaching context and work environment. Challenge heteronormative assumptions in a respectful manner.

ALLY Network
A network of Flinders staff and students who understand and are familiar with sexuality issues. Members on the ALLY Network provide information and support to people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex and questioning queer and to people wanting to know more about these issues.

Queer Officer: Student Council
The sexuality officer supports and promotes sexual diversity on campus by providing information in regards to sexuality issues and acts as an advocate for students experiencing harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexuality and/or gender identity. The Queer Officer can be contacted by email on queer.officer@flinders.edu.au.

Queer Society
Queer Society is run through Clubs and Societies and provides queer students with social activities in an open and safe environment. Examples of events organised by Queer Society include queer bowling, movie nights, and inter-uni social nights. 

Queer Space
Queer space is an autonomous space for queer identifying students on campus. It is located on level one in the Hub and provides a safe and friendly place for all queer students to be themselves, relax and feel safe. Queer space is open weekdays 9am-5pm and has a range of facilities including a computer with word processing and internet capabilities, an internal phone, a microwave, tea and coffee and a fridge. 

Health, Counselling and Disability Service
A free and confidential counselling service for Flinders' students which is LGBTIQ+ friendly.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Flinders University has in place grievance procedures for complaints of harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexuality. If you feel that you have been harassed or discriminated against, contact an Equal Opportunity Contact Officer.

Bfriend
A free and confidential service of Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide providing support to men and women of all ages who are newly identifying as being same sex attracted or people that are questioning their gender identity.

Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force SA Inc
Support group for LGBTIQ+ people with immigration problems especially regarding partner immigration to Australia.

MensLine Australia 
Provides counselling support by telephone or online.

Southern Women’s Community Health Centre
This regional women’s health service of the Noarlunga Health Services provides a comprehensive support service for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Telephone: 8444 0700.

Parents Supporting Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PSPFlag SA)
A South Australian based support group for parents and their sons and daughters who are gay, lesbian or bisexual.

SA Transsexual Support
Support group for transsexual people who have or are about to permanently change their gender roles. Also provides trans information for the community.

Shine SA
A non-government organisation providing a range of services on sexual health to the South Australian community. It is a GLBTTIQQ friendly organisation with healthcare teams based at Morphett Vale, Smithfield and Kensington.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Support Group
A peer support, information and advocacy group for people affected by AIS and/or related intersex conditions and their families.

Australian Bi Sexual Network
A national network for bisexual women, bi transgenders, bisexual men, partners and friends of Bi people and bi-friendly groups and services.

Deaf Queer Resource Centre
A national non-profit resource and information centre for, by and about the deaf lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual, intersex and questioning communities.

DocLIST
A free service listing health professionals recommended by lesbian and bisexual women (run by the Australian Lesbian Medical Association).

FTM Australia Network
An Australian based network providing contact, support and up to date information to men identified female at birth, their partners, family, supporters and service providers.

Intersex Human Rights Australia
An organisation seeking to improve the standards of living of people with intersex conditions.

LOTL
Australian-based media development and events company producing lesbian lifestyle magazine.

Sydney Star Observer
A Sydney-based weekly gay and lesbian community newspaper. 

Feast
Adelaide’s annual LGBTIQ+ arts festival held in October/November each year.

Pride Week
An annual festival of events celebrating, empowering and supporting diverse sexual and gender identities. For further information, contact the Queer Officer, at queer.officer@flinders.edu.au.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
An annual parade and pride festival held each year in Sydney.

Queer Screen
A non-profit community organisation whose main aim is to celebrate and promote Australian and International queer screen.

Team Adelaide Inc
Promotes gay and lesbian sport in South Australia. Provides tennis, tenpin bowling, squash, movie nights, annual cabaret and co-ordinate teams for Gay Games and Australian Gaymes.

Equality Campaign 
Supporting LGBTIQ+ rights

These posters were produced by members of the Flinders University Community to raise awareness of sexual diversity that exists on campus.

• ALLY Poster
• Equal Opportunity poster 1
• Equal Opportunity poster 2
• Equal Opportunity poster 3