within the diverse landscape of the lgbtq+ community, a multitude of terms and abbreviations carry specific meanings. understanding these terms is crucial for fostering inclusivity, respectful communication, and a deeper appreciation for the lived experiences of others.
let's delve into the meaning of "cd" and explore a wider glossary of terms commonly used within the crossdressing community and beyond.
what does "cd" stand for?
the abbreviation "cd" stands for crossdresser. a crossdresser is a person who dresses, at least partially, as a member of a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth.
it's important to emphasize that crossdressing carries no inherent implications regarding sexual orientation or gender identity.
a crossdresser may identify as heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation. similarly, their gender identity may align with their assigned sex at birth or differ from it.
the origins of the term "crossdresser" can be traced back to theatrical traditions, particularly in shakespearean times, when women were often prohibited from performing on stage, and male actors would take on female roles.
decoding crossdressing terminology: a deeper dive
understanding the nuances of language used within specific communities provides valuable insight.
here are some terms commonly associated with crossdressing:
- being made/getting clocked: this refers to being recognized or "read" as someone who is crossdressing. it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, depending on the context.
- en femme: a french term (meaning "as a woman") used to describe someone who is dressed and acting as a woman.
- gaffing/tucking: techniques used to conceal male genitalia to create a smoother, more feminine silhouette.
- padding: the use of artificial enhancements to create the illusion of female curves, such as breasts or hips.
expanding the lgbtq+ vocabulary: a glossary of essential terms
the lgbtq+ community is vast and encompasses a wide array of identities and experiences.
familiarizing yourself with the following terms will promote better understanding and inclusivity.
gender identity and expression
- gender: a social construct used to classify a person as a man, woman, or some other identity.
it's fundamentally different from sex assigned at birth.
- gender dysphoria: the distress experienced when there's a mismatch between a person's sex assigned at birth and their gender identity.
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- gender expression: how someone outwardly expresses their gender through clothing, hairstyle, behavior, and other means.
- gender neutral: refers to anything not specifically associated with a particular gender.
examples include gender-neutral language and restrooms.
- gender non-conforming (gnc): describes individuals whose gender expression deviates from societal expectations.
- gender outlaw: someone who refuses to be defined by conventional definitions of male and female.
- gender variant: a general term for people whose gender characteristics differ from what's expected based on their assigned sex.
- neutrois: a non-binary gender identity; individuals identifying as neutrois experience their gender in various ways.
- omnigender/pangender: possessing all genders, often refuting the concept of only two genders.
- mtf (male to female): someone assigned male at birth whose affirmed gender identity is female.
- ftm (female to male): someone assigned female at birth whose affirmed gender identity is male.
increasingly, the focus is shifting to gender euphoria, the joy and affirmation experienced when one's gender identity is recognized and validated.
sexual orientation and attraction
- gay: a sexual and affectional orientation towards people of the same gender.
- lesbian: generally, a woman whose primary sexual and affectional orientation is toward other women; some non-binary individuals may also identify as lesbian.
- bisexual: attraction to more than one gender.
- pansexual/omnisexual: attraction to all genders; these terms have some overlap with bisexuality and polysexuality.
- demisexual: sexual attraction only to those with whom one has a strong emotional bond.
- monosexual: attraction to only one gender (e.g., heterosexual or homosexual).
- mlm (men who love men): includes gay men and men attracted to men.
- msm (men who have sex with men): these men may or may not identify as gay.
- heterosexual: attraction to people of a different gender (also known as "straight").
related concepts
- asexual: a lack of sexual attraction to others.
- graysexual/grayromantic: experiencing attraction occasionally, rarely, or only under specific circumstances.
- monogamy: having only one intimate partner at a time.
- polyamory: having multiple consensual intimate relationships.
- polycule: a network of individuals connected through polyamorous relationships.
inclusivity and respect
- lived name: the name someone uses that differs from their legal name, often used by trans and non-binary individuals to affirm their gender identity.
- deadnaming: using someone's birth name after they have changed their name; considered offensive and hurtful.
- pronouns: linguistic tools used to refer to someone in the third person (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them).
- cultural humility: an approach acknowledging power imbalances and committing to self-evaluation, fixing imbalances, and developing partnerships.
oppression and discrimination
- discrimination: inequitable actions carried out against marginalized groups.
- heterosexism: the assumption that everyone is heterosexual, excluding lgbtq+ experiences.
- internalized oppression: acceptance of stereotypes applied to an oppressed group.
- intersectionality: the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
related communities and practices
- drag: a form of gender expression where individuals dress as the opposite gender (drag queens dress in feminine attire, drag kings in masculine attire).
it's not necessarily indicative of gender identity.
- leather community: encompasses individuals who enjoy leather, often in sexual contexts.
- kink: unconventional sexual practices, often involving bdsms, leather, and other fetishes.
other important terms
- dyke: a term for a lesbian or queer woman; only those who self-identify as a dyke should use this term.
- enby: slang term for non-binary.
- ethnicity: a social construct dividing people into groups based on shared characteristics like culture, language, and history.
- intersex: an umbrella term for natural body variations that don't fit typical definitions of male or female.
- latine: a non-gender-specific term for people of latin american descent (similar to "latinx").
- microaggressions: subtle behaviors communicating hostile or negative messages.
- neurodiversity: the natural variation in human brain function, including conditions like autism and adhd.
- privilege: unearned benefits conferred upon members of specific social groups.
- phobia: in mental health, a marked and persistent fear; it's often misused to describe systems of oppression.
the importance of ongoing learning and understanding
language is constantly evolving, and the lgbtq+ community is at the forefront of this evolution.
this glossary provides a starting point, but it's crucial to remain open to learning and adapting your language to reflect the evolving understanding of gender, sexuality, and identity. resources like transstudent.org offer further information and support. by actively engaging with the lgbtq+ community and its language, we can create a more inclusive and respectful world for everyone.
understanding these terms is not just about memorizing definitions; it's about cultivating empathy, challenging assumptions, and promoting respectful communication.
by using inclusive language, we create a more welcoming and affirming environment for all members of the lgbtq+ community.
resources for further learning
to deepen your understanding of lgbtq+ terminology and related issues, consider exploring the following resources:
- glaad (gay & lesbian alliance against defamation): offers comprehensive resources on lgbtq+ issues and terminology.
- the trevor project: provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lgbtq+ youth.
- pflag (parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays): supports families and allies of lgbtq+ individuals.
- trans student educational resources: offers resources and support for trans and gender non-conforming students.
by utilizing these resources and engaging in ongoing learning, you can contribute to a more informed and inclusive society.
remember, language is powerful.
by using it thoughtfully and respectfully, we can create a more welcoming and affirming world for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.