Glossary of Terms
Clear, respectful definitions of terminology related to gender identity and transition. No jargon — just plain English.
Jump to: Intro · General terms · Service-specific · Usage notes · Further learning · Suggest a term
(From attached content & notes.) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Understanding terminology
Language around gender identity continues to evolve. This glossary provides straightforward definitions of common terms you may encounter.
A few notes
- Terminology varies by region and community
- Language is personal; people may use different terms for themselves
- Definitions here reflect common usage but are not prescriptive
- When in doubt, respect how people describe themselves
Last updated: February 2025
General terms
Alphabetical definitions you’ll commonly encounter.
Definitions are shown in a simple accordion to keep the page scannable. Click a term to expand.
A
B
C
D
E
G
H
I
L
M
N
O
P
Q
S
T
X
Service-specific terms
Definitions related to our certificate service and registry.
Usage notes
How to use this glossary respectfully and safely.
Respect individual preferences
People may use different terms to describe themselves. Always respect how someone identifies and the language they use.
Language evolves
Gender terminology continues to develop. What’s common today may change tomorrow. Stay open to learning.
Ask when unsure
If you’re unsure what term to use for someone, it’s okay to politely ask. “What pronouns do you use?” is a respectful question.
Avoid assumptions
Don’t assume someone’s gender identity, pronouns, or terminology preferences based on appearance.
Further learning
Helpful next steps if you want to go deeper.
Support organisations
Many organisations listed on our Support Organisations page provide educational resources about gender identity and terminology.
Support organisationsRegional resources
Visit our Regions pages for country-specific information about gender recognition law and local terminology.
Explore regionsOfficial resources
Government equality bodies often publish guidance on inclusive language and understanding gender identity:
- UK: Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Ireland: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
- US: National Center for Transgender Equality
- Canada: Canadian Human Rights Commission
(We link to official sources on relevant pages where possible.)
Suggest an addition
If you believe we should include a term not listed here, please let us know.
Email us
Contact: hello@genderrecognition.org
Include:
- The term
- A clear, concise definition
- Why it’s important to include
We review all suggestions.
Disclaimer
This glossary provides general definitions for informational purposes. Terminology use varies by individual, community, and region. These definitions are not prescriptive.
When referring to specific individuals, always use the language and terms they use for themselves.