This page is designed to provide support, education, and tools for both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Whether you're looking for resources to help navigate your personal journey, seeking ways to become a better ally, or in need of professional support, you’ll find valuable information here. We believe that knowledge and awareness are key to building a more inclusive and supportive community.
Agender: A person who identifies as having no gender or being gender-neutral.
Ally: A person who supports and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, even if they don’t identify as LGBTQ+.
Aromantic (Aro): A person who experiences little to no romantic attraction.
Asexual (Ace): Someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others.
Bisexual (Bi): Someone who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
Chosen Family: A support network of friends and community members who provide acceptance and love, often taking the place of unsupportive biological family.
Cisgender (Cis): A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Coming Out: The process of sharing one’s LGBTQ+ identity with others.
Gay: A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to individuals of the same gender. Often refers to men but can include anyone.
Genderfluid: Someone whose gender identity shifts or changes over time.
Heteroflexible: Someone who is primarily heterosexual but open to same-sex relationships or experiences.
Homoflexible: Someone who is primarily homosexual but open to opposite-sex relationships or experiences.
Homosexual: A man who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other men.
Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
Lesbian: A woman who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to other women.
Monogamous: A person who chooses to have one romantic or sexual partner at a time.
Nonbinary: A person whose gender identity doesn’t fit within the traditional male/female binary.
Pansexual (Pan): A person who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people regardless of their gender identity.
Polyamorous (Poly): A person who has or is open to having multiple consensual and ethical romantic or sexual relationships at the same time.
Polysexual: A person attracted to multiple, but not necessarily all, genders.
Pronouns: Words used to refer to someone in place of their name (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them). Using correct pronouns shows respect for someone’s gender identity.
Queer: An umbrella term for anyone who doesn’t identify as heterosexual or cisgender. While historically a slur, it has been reclaimed by many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Questioning: A term for someone who is exploring or unsure about their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity. It’s a natural part of self-discovery and personal growth.
Transgender (Trans): A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous peoples to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits. It is specific to Indigenous cultures and should be respected as such.
Use Gender-Neutral Terms
Instead of assuming pronouns or gender, use terms like "they/them" or "everyone" until you know
someone's preferred pronouns. Introduce yourself with your pronouns and ask others for theirs.
Respecting someone’s pronouns is key to being inclusive.
For example, say “partner” instead of assuming “husband” or “wife” when talking about someone’s significant other.
Avoid Tokenizing
Don’t single someone out as a representative for their entire community or assume they’re
comfortable discussing their identity. Respect personal boundaries and treat everyone as an
individual.
Appreciate Personal Preferences
Not all LGBTQ+ people enjoy the same activities, style, or humour often stereotypically associated
with their identity. Let people define themselves instead of fitting them into a mold.
Avoid Stereotyping
Don’t assume someone’s sexual orientation based on their
appearance or behaviour.
Don’t make assumptions about people based on stereotypes (e.g., assuming all LGBTQ+ people look or act a certain way). Speak to and about individuals based on their actual identity and experiences, not preconceived notions.
Educate Yourself and Stay Open
Be open to learning new terms and language that reflect LGBTQ+ experiences, such as "cisgender" vs.
"transgender," or recognizing the spectrum of sexual orientations (e.g., bisexual, pansexual,
asexual, etc.).
Challenge Harmful Language
If you hear derogatory terms or assumptions about LGBTQ+ people, gently challenge them and offer
alternatives. For example, instead of saying “That’s so gay” to describe something negative, use
phrases like "That’s so lame" or "That’s annoying".
