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

[auntysarah]

Female - Same as above, but for people with vaginas, ovaries, uterus, etc.

Um, what?

[floit63]

It's taken with the modifications for the definition of sex. I'm going for easy med chart reading rather than making everyone happy with me.

[auntysarah]

So women who've had a radical hysterectomy aren't female?

I'm confused - I don't see the link between perpetuating cissexist stereotypes and being trans-positive. The two would seem to be in opposition to me.

[floit63]

Y'know what, you're right. I hadn't thought that one through long enough. I'll work on coming up with a better definition now =)