Terminology

[floit63]

This post got me thinking. How many of our arguments (either amongst ourselves or with others) stem from the fact that everyone has a slightly different interpretation of key words we use? I'm going to post a few different words that are rather important when discussing trans issues and I'd love it if everyone could go through and give their definitions of these words so that I can make a list for n00bs (all of them can be anon if you wish). My own definitions will be in the comments.

The Words:
Sex
Gender
Transgender
Transexual
Trans*
Male
Female
Man/boy
Woman/girl
Cisgender
Gay
Lesbian
Straight
Bisexual
Pansexual
Polysexual
Asexual
Ally
Stealth
Out (as in out of the closet, not as in out to the store)
Pride

Comments

[floit63]

Y'know, that's a way of explaining bisexual I hadn't heard of. I knew that I was annoyed at people who get all "bisexual is transphobic", but I couldn't place why exactly. Thank you!

I love Pride, but for the gay side of myself rather than the trans side. I had a friend whose parents started taking us to SF Pride when he came out at 13 so it's a huge part of my background. Trans...isn't really. To me it's like my asthma. Some people should know for health and safety reasons, but not everyone needs to.

Funny part is, I couldn't imagine being stealth when I first came out. I thought people who weren't 100% out and proud were denying a part of themselves. Then I started passing all the time and realised just how awkward it is to be out as trans when no one questions whether you're a guy or a girl.

[shrugs] These days explaining what may or may not be in my pants is more trouble than it's worth. Particularly since thinking about what's missing just makes me depressed. I still stand up for trans rights, but now people view me as an ally rather than a transperson.

[cyberspice]

I am stealthy. Basically i don't announce to the world that I'm trans (except possibly on here :-) but if anyone asks I don't deny it. I have friends who know and friends who don't. Most people in the street don't guess so I don't worry about it.

[floit63]

I'm similar. There are certain places I'd prefer not to be out and certain people who have no discretion, but for the most part if someone asks I have no objection to telling. Of course, that does require people asking and these days no one does so deciding which people need to be told can get kind of tricky.