Terms Related to Gender and Sex

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Acquired Gender: A legal term used in the UK Gender Recognition Act (2004) referring to the gender in which a person applying for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) has lived for at least two years and intends to continue living. Many trans people find this term problematic, as it implies that gender is something “acquired” rather than an intrinsic aspect of identity, and that legal recognition is required for legitimacy.
AFAB / AMAB (Assigned Female/Male at Birth): Acronyms referring to the sex assigned to an individual at birth, based on observed physical characteristics. Variations such as DFAB and DMAB (“designated female/male at birth”) are also used. (See also: Assigned Sex at Birth)
Affirmed Gender: Refers to an individual’s authentic gender identity when it differs from the sex assigned at birth. The term is often used for people who have transitioned but may not have obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate. Not all trans people identify with this term, and some regard legal validation as unnecessary or overly bureaucratic.
Agender: Describes a person who does not identify with any gender and may not experience a sense of having a gender identity at all.
Assigned Sex at Birth: The categorisation of a newborn as male or female, typically based on external genitalia. This medical classification does not necessarily correspond with an individual’s gender identity.

Cisgender or Cis: Describes an individual whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. Some people also use the term non-trans to express this alignment.
Cisnormativity: The assumption, both socially and institutionally, that everyone’s gender identity corresponds with their sex assigned at birth. This belief system can marginalise trans and non-binary people by overlooking their identities and specific needs.

Deadnaming: Refers to the act of addressing or referring to someone by a name they no longer use, typically their birth or former name. The term is most commonly associated with trans and non-binary individuals who have changed their name as part of their gender transition. Using a person’s previous name, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can be distressing and disrespectful, as it invalidates their identity and lived experience

Gender Binary or Gender Binarism: Refers to the societal system that classifies people strictly as male or female, based on assumed links between biological sex, gender identity, and sexuality. This binary model limits recognition of diverse gender identities and expressions.
Gender Identity or Gender: A person’s innate sense of their own identity, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Gender identity can be male, female, both, neither, or fluid, and may include identities such as non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, or agender. Gender is influenced by both biological factors (i.e. gametes, genotype, hormones) and socially constructed expectations linked to one’s assigned sex. These social influences include societal norms, behaviours, expressions, and gender roles that define how individuals are perceived and expected to behave within a given society.
Gender Pronouns: Words used to refer to individuals in the third person that reflect their gender identity (e.g. she/her, he/him, they/them). Referring to pronouns as a “preference” can be seen as dismissive, as pronouns are an expression of identity rather than choice. Other gender-neutral pronouns (e.g. ze, fae) are also used within some non-binary communities.

Intersex: An umbrella term used to describe individuals born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit societal binary definitions of male or female bodies. Intersex people may identify as male, female, both or neither. Intersex is not the same as gender identity or sexual orientation.

Misgendering: Occurs when someone, either intentionally or unintentionally, uses language, names, or pronouns that do not reflect a person’s affirmed gender identity. For example, referring to a woman as “he” or addressing her as “guy.” Deliberate misgendering is considered a form of harassment. (See also: Gender Pronouns.)
Misogyny: Refers to prejudice, contempt, or discrimination directed towards women, rooted in sexist beliefs and ideologies that position women as inferior to men. Unlike harassment, misogyny encompasses broader cultural and structural attitudes that sustain gender inequality. Although not currently recognised as a hate crime under UK law, misogyny underpins many forms of gender-based discrimination and violence.

Non-binary: Describes a gender identity that does not fit exclusively within the categories of male or female. Non-binary people may identify as both, neither, or a combination of genders, and their gender experience may be fluid or fixed.

Patriarchy: Historically, patriarchy described a social or governmental system in which men held authority and inheritance followed the male line. In contemporary EDI contexts, it refers to a social structure that privileges men and certain forms of masculinity, often reinforcing the dominance of cisgender men and marginalising women and gender-diverse people.
Person with a Trans History: A term sometimes used by individuals who now identify as male or female but were assigned a different sex at birth. It can acknowledge a person’s trans background, though it should never be used without consent, as doing so may breach privacy or “out” someone.

Sex (Legal or Biological): Refers to the classification assigned at birth based on primary / external sex characteristics (genitalia) and reproductive functions. In some legal systems, a person’s recorded sex may be changed following gender reassignment. While “sex” and “gender” are often used interchangeably, distinguishing between the two is important for clarity and inclusivity, especially in equality monitoring.

Toxic Masculinity: Refers to cultural norms and behaviours traditionally associated with masculinity that become harmful when they promote dominance, emotional suppression, aggression, or the devaluation of traits perceived as “feminine.” The term does not demonise men or masculine qualities, but rather critiques rigid expectations that equate manhood with control, self-reliance, and competitiveness taken to extremes. Toxic masculinity can limit the emotions boys and men are encouraged to express, while elevating anger and aggression, contributing to inequality, mental health stigma, gender-based violence and broader social harm.
Transgender (Trans): Describes a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Some trans people may pursue medical transition (such as hormone therapy or surgery), while others may not. Transitioning is a personal process and does not define trans identity.