Trans terms

The language used in relation to transgender and gender diverse people continues to evolve and reflects changing experiences, identities and perspectives.

For guidance on inclusive communication more broadly, please refer to the University's Inclusive Language Guidance.

This list is for your information and includes the terms you may come across from fellow staff and students. Terms relating to wider equality, human rights and legal concepts, including sex, gender, gender identity and transgender, can be found in the Equality and Human Rights Glossary.

This list of terms is intended to support understanding of terminology that may arise in discussions relating to sex, gender identity, transgender experiences, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

This glossary distinguishes, where relevant, between commonly used community terminology and terminology used in UK legislation and case law. Some terms have no settled legal definition and may be understood differently by different individuals, organisations and communities. References to legislation and case law reflect the law in force at the time of publication.

Language and legal interpretation continue to evolve, and definitions are provided for information only. The inclusion of a term does not indicate endorsement of a particular viewpoint. Where relevant, references are made to current UK legislation and legal guidance.

Administrative records

University systems may record information such as a person's name, title, sex and, where appropriate, gender identity for operational purposes. The collection and use of personal data will comply with data protection legislation and relevant legal requirements. Where sex is required for legal purposes, the University will apply the relevant statutory definition.

AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth)

A term used to describe someone who was recorded as female at birth. This term is often used in discussions of gender identity and transition. It is not a legal category under UK law but may be relevant in understanding experiences of trans and non-binary individuals.

Agender

A person who does not identify with any gender identity. While agender identity is not explicitly protected under the Equality Act 2010, individuals may be protected under the characteristic of gender reassignment if they are transitioning.

AMAB (Assigned Male at Birth)

A term used to describe someone who was recorded as male at birth. Like AFAB, this is not a legal category but is used in gender identity discussions.

Aromantic (aro)

An umbrella term used specifically to describe a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of romantic attraction. A term describing individuals who experience little or no romantic attraction. This identity is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 but may intersect with protections related to sexual orientation.

ASAB (Assigned Sex at Birth)

A term referring to the sex designation recorded at birth, typically based on physical characteristics. Following the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers (2025), references to 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 were held to refer to biological sex for the purposes of interpreting that Act.

Asexual (ace)

An umbrella term used specifically to describe a lack of, varying, or occasional experiences of sexual attraction. Asexuality is not specifically referenced within the Equality Act 2010. However, individuals may be protected under the characteristic of sexual orientation depending on the circumstances.

Bisexual (bi)

Bisexual is an umbrella term used to describe a romantic and/or sexual orientation towards more than one gender. It is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, covered by the category of sexual orientation.

Bottom surgery

A form of gender affirming surgery on the genitals. This may be part of a medical transition for some trans individuals. Medical procedures related to gender reassignment may be relevant to protections under the Equality Act 2010.

Coming Out

When a person first tells someone/others about identifying with the LGBTQ+ Community. Sometimes stated as 'coming out of the closet'. Individuals are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender reassignment under the Equality Act 2010, regardless of whether they are out or not.

Conversion therapy

A range of practices, often subjecting people to significant physical and psychological harm, with the intention of 'curing' a person's sexuality or gender identity.

Deadnaming

Calling someone by their birth name or previously chosen name after they have changed their name. Repeated or deliberate misgendering/deadnaming may amount to harassment or discrimination depending on the circumstances.

Deedpoll

A deed poll is a legal document that proves a change of name. In the UK, you can change any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or change spelling. A deed poll is not required to change gender markers on all documents, but may be necessary for some legal processes.

Gender dysphoria

Used to describe when a person experiences discomfort or distress due to an incongruence between a person's perception of self and their perceived gender identity. This is also the current clinical diagnosis in the ICD and DSM classifications used within healthcare for someone who doesn't feel comfortable with the sex they were assigned at birth. Individuals experiencing gender dysphoria may be protected under the Equality Act 2010 through the characteristic of gender reassignment.

Gender euphoria

Used to capture feelings of joy and contentment between a person and their gender identity. This is often brought about through authentic gender expression and recognition of someone’s gender. This can be experienced by anyone regardless of whether they are trans or cis. While not a legal term, it is relevant to understanding the lived experiences of trans and gender-diverse individuals.

Gender expression/presentation

How a person chooses to outwardly express their gender, typically within the context of societal expectations of gender. A person who does not conform to societal expectations of gender may not, however, identify as trans. While gender expression itself is not a protected characteristic, individuals may be protected under gender reassignment if they are transitioning.

Gender ideology

A term used by some individuals and organisations in public debate to describe beliefs or theories concerning gender identity and the relationship between sex and gender. The term has no settled legal, clinical or academic definition and is understood differently by different people. Its use can be contested.

Gender non-conformity

See 'gender variance'.

Gender variance

Gender variance, also referred to as gender non-conformity, is when someone's presentation does not match socially constructed gender norms for men and women. Example: someone who identifies as a man who dresses in a feminine manner.

Genderfluid

A person who fluctuates between or outside of the gender binary and is not a fixed gender. It can change over time or from day to day.

GIC (Gender Identity Clinic)

NHS or private clinics that provide gender-affirming care for individuals aged 18 and over. These services may include psychological support, hormone therapy, and referrals for surgery. Access to these services may be part of a person's gender reassignment process.

GIDS (Gender Identity Development Services)

The Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) was the NHS's specialist clinic for children and young people experiencing gender incongruence. It operated under the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust until its closure in March 2024, following the Cass Review. GIDS is being replaced by regional services that adopt a more holistic and therapeutic model of care. These new services are designed to improve access, safety, and evidence-based support for young people.

Gillick Competence:

A legal principle used to assess whether a child under 16 has sufficient understanding and intelligence to consent to medical treatment without parental involvement. This principle may apply in cases involving gender-affirming care and is recognised in UK medical law.

GRA (Gender Recognition Act 2004)

The Gender Recognition Act (GRA) is the law which sets out how trans people in the UK obtain legal recognition of their acquired gender through a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC). Following the UK Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers (2025), possession of a Gender Recognition Certificate does not alter the interpretation of sex within the Equality Act 2010.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)

Treatment used when one's body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of hormones itself to maintain normal function. This is commonly used to treat cisgender women during menopause, cisgender men after testes have been removed and transgender people to induce puberty changes in line with their gender identity, among other uses. HRT may be relevant to protections under the Equality Act 2010 if part of a gender reassignment process.

Intersex

An umbrella term used for people who are born with variations in sex characteristics, who do not always fit society's perception of male or female bodies. Intersex is not the same as gender identity or sexual orientation. Intersex people may identify as any gender and are not inherently transgender. While 'intersex' is not explicitly listed as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, individuals may be protected under other characteristics such as sex or disability, depending on context.

Misgendering

Referring to a person by the incorrect pronouns or gendered terms. Repeated or deliberate misgendering may amount to harassment or discrimination depending on the circumstances.

Non-binary

An umbrella term for a person who has a gender identity that exists outside of the gender binary, fluctuates between the gender binary, or who has no gender, either permanently or some of the time. A person who identifies as non-binary may or may not identify as transgender. Non-binary people may identify with aspects of both genders, neither, or fluctuate between identities. While non-binary identity is not explicitly listed as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, in Taylor v Jaguar Land Rover Ltd (2020), an Employment Tribunal held that a non-binary employee was protected under the characteristic of gender reassignment. While Employment Tribunal decisions do not create binding legal precedent, the case is widely cited as illustrating that protection under the Equality Act may extend to some non-binary and gender-diverse individuals depending on the circumstances.

Outing

Disclosing a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or trans status without their consent. Depending on the circumstances, this may breach confidentiality, amount to discrimination or harassment, or expose the person to significant harm.

Pansexual

Refers to a person whose romantic and/or sexual attraction towards others is not limited by sex or gender. Pansexuality is protected under sexual orientation in the Equality Act 2010.

Passing

Being perceived by others as a particular identity/gender or cisgender regardless of how the individual in question identifies. This term has become controversial as 'passing' can imply that one is not genuinely what they are passing as.

Pronouns

People may choose to share their pronouns when introducing themselves or in email signatures. While many people find this helpful, there is no requirement to disclose pronouns. People should also recognise that others may hold beliefs about sex and gender that are protected under the Equality Act 2010. The University expects respectful communication regardless of differing protected characteristics or beliefs.

Queer

A term that some people use to describe their sexual orientation, gender identity or both. It is also used by some people as an umbrella term for LGBTQ+ communities. Although many people have reclaimed the term, others continue to regard it as offensive. It should therefore be used with care and preferably in accordance with an individual's own preference.

Sporting Exemptions (Section 195)

The Equality Act 2010 permits restrictions in gender-affected sports where these are necessary to secure fair competition or the safety of competitors. Decisions should be made in accordance with applicable legislation and relevant governing body rules and guidance.

Statutory declaration

A formal statement declaring that the information given is to the best of the knowledge of the person giving it. These are required by trans people wishing to apply for a GRC.

Social Transition

The steps an individual takes to change their social role and presentation to match their gender identity without undergoing medical interventions. This typically includes changing their name, pronouns, clothing and hairstyle. Under UK law, the protected characteristic of gender reassignment does not require a medical transition. Individuals who are proposing to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone a process of transition may be protected under the Equality Act 2010, regardless of whether that process includes medical treatment.

Top surgery

Gender affirming surgery entailing the removal or resizing of a person's chest. Medical procedures related to gender reassignment may be relevant to protections under the Equality Act 2010.

Transfeminine

Often shortened to transfemme, a person who identifies with feminine gender expression or identity but was assigned male at birth. While not a legal category, transfeminine individuals may be protected under gender reassignment if they are transitioning.

Transitioning

Transitioning is a term used to describe the process and steps an individual takes in order to live in a way that reflects their gender identity. Transitioning is a unique process for each individual and may include any number of changes to a person's life. It can be social and/or medical, and it can take several years. People do not need to transition to be trans. Individuals undergoing transition are protected under the Equality Act 2010 through the characteristic of gender reassignment.

Transmasculine

Often shortened to transmasc, a person who identifies with masculine gender expression or identity but was assigned female at birth. Individuals undergoing transition are protected under the Equality Act 2010 through the characteristic of gender reassignment.

Transphobia

A term commonly used to describe prejudice, discrimination, hostility or negative attitudes directed towards transgender people or people perceived to be transgender. Conduct may amount to discrimination, harassment, victimisation or, in some circumstances, hate crime. The University also recognises that individuals may lawfully hold and express protected philosophical beliefs relating to sex and gender, provided this is done within the law and in accordance with university dignity and respect policies.

Most definitions have been taken from the Stonewall Glossary of terms. The definition of the term ‘Passing’ has been taken from Trans Student Educational Resources. The definitions of the terms ‘Gender’, ‘Gender variance’, ‘Intersex’, ‘Non-binary’, ‘Transitioning’ and ‘Transphobia’ have been taken from the Equality Challenge Unit’s guidance ‘Trans staff and students in HE and colleges: improving experiences’. Please log in with a YSJ email address.