However, sex is not always straightforward, as some people may be born with an intersex variation, and anatomical and hormonal characteristics can change over a life span. Sex: a classification that is often made at birth as either male or female based on a person's external anatomical characteristics. Some people with an intersex variation are LGBTQ, many are heterosexual and most are cisgender. There are at least 40 different variations that may be apparent at different life stages or may remain unknown to the individual and their medical practitioners. Intersex: an umbrella term that refers to individuals who have anatomical, chromosomal and hormonal characteristics that differ from medical and conventional understandings of male and female bodies. Bodies and variations in sex characteristicsīodies and variations in sex characteristicsĮndosex: a term used to describe people whose innate sex characteristics meet medical and conventional understandings of male and female bodies (Intersex Human Rights Australia, 2021).Terminology is organised around the following categories (listed in alphabetical order): This glossary is not exhaustive and should be used as a guide. Additional Further reading and Resources and organisations that can be used to help build safety and comfort for LGBTIQA+ clients are listed at the end of this resource sheet. Practitioners and service providers are encouraged to use this resource sheet in conjunction with a person-centred approach that recognises clients are the experts in the language that best reflects their experience. When working with clients, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of people's lived experiences and recognise that the above aspects may apply to individuals in different ways and at different times across the life span (Carman, Rosenberg, Bourne, & Parsons, 2020). Sexual orientation, gender identity and variations of sex characteristics are different concepts, and it is acknowledged that related language constantly evolves.
There is also a wide range of terms and language related to bodies, gender, sexual orientation, sexual attraction, sexual behaviour, and legal and medical processes. There is a great deal of diversity within and across LGBTIQA+ communities LGBTIQA+ people are not a homogenous group. Competent use of LGBT relevant language and an affirmative approach to inclusive communication can help support LGBT people to feel welcome and able to disclose who they are when seeking help (Brooks, 2018 MacCarthy et al., 2021). Negative outcomes do not stem from being LGBTI but are driven by the fear of, or actual, discrimination via institutions that are important in the lives of young people, including schools, health services and welfare services (Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), 2015). Discrimination is associated with being bullied, homelessness and a range of negative socio-economic and health and wellbeing outcomes (Perales, 2016). While legal protections are afforded in Australia, LGBTIQ people continue to face significant stigma and discrimination (Hill, Bourne, McNair, Carman, & Lyons, 2020). Improving access and engagement to appropriate services is important due to the poorer mental health and substantially higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide experienced by LGBTIQA+ people compared to the general population (Perales, 2016). In health settings, a lack of inclusive language can lead to clients not disclosing whether they are LGBTIQA+, not discussing topics related to their gender or sexuality, or refraining from seeking help (Brooks et al., 2018). The assumption that people are heterosexual, cisgender or have sex characteristics that fit medical norms for female or male bodies has a negative effect on the health, education and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people. The glossary can be used alongside the CFCA guide to LGBTIQ+ inclusive language. The information in this resource sheet is intended to help service providers and practitioners create safer spaces for LGBTIQA+ clients.