Terminology
This glossary covers some of the terminology that you might come across when learning about trans identities and supporting trans and non-binary people of all ages. This is not an exhaustive list of terms or definitions - language is ever-evolving, and communities are finding new ways to describe their experiences all of the time! For a broader glossary of LGBTQ+ terminology, see our terminology page.
+ Agender
Someone who feels neutral in their gender, does not identify with any gender, or rejects the influence of any particular gender.
+ AFAB / AMAB
Acronyms which stand for "Assigned Female at Birth" and "Assigned Male at Birth" (see below).
+ Assigned at birth
Assigned at birth refers to the way in which your sex is recorded on your birth certificate. When a baby is born, they are assigned a sex based on physical examination, and this is marked on their birth certificate. Typically, babies are either assigned female at birth (AFAB), or assigned male at birth (AMAB). Sex assigned at birth is often conflated with gender identity (see below).
+ Cisgender (Cis)
Cisgender refers to people who are not trans; someone whose gender identity is the same as the sex assigned to them at birth. For example, if someone was assigned male at birth (AMAB) and they identify as a man, then they are a cisgender man, or a cis man. If someone was assigned female at birth (AFAB) and they identify as a woman, then they are a cisgender woman, or a cis woman.
+ Cisnormativity
Cisnormativity refers to a societal system of assumptions and structures which (falsely) assumes everyone is cisgender (not transgender) and can uphold rigid expectations of conformity to gender roles and norms (see below).
+ Deadname
Some trans and non-binary people refer to the name which they used prior to transition as their "deadname". It is considered best practice to avoid using an individual's deadname and to refer to them using the name they use now.
+ Gender
Gender includes the social, psychological, cultural, and behavioural aspects of being a man, woman, or another identity. Gender interacts with but is different from sex, which refers to the different biological and physiological characteristics of females, males and intersex persons, such as chromosomes, hormones and reproductive organs. Gender and sex are related to but different from gender identity.
+ Gender Binary
The gender binary is a system of gender classification in which all people are categorised as being distinctly male or female.
+ Gender Expression
The external expression of a person’s gender. Gender can be expressed through mannerisms, grooming, clothes, name, pronouns, and more.
+ Gender Identity
An individual's understanding of themselves as female, male, non-binary, or another gender. This may or may not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.
+ Gender Norms
Gender norms define what society considers male and female behaviour, and it leads to the formation of gender roles, which are the roles men and women are often expected to take in society.
+ Gender Queer / Gender Non-Conforming
Gender identities which fall outside the traditional gender binary and/or do not conform to traditional male and female gender roles.
+ Misgendering
Misgendering is the term for what happens when someone is referred to by the incorrect pronoun or gendered term.
+ Non-Binary
Non-binary refers to those who identify outside the male/female binary. It can come under the trans umbrella, though not all non-binary people identify as trans. People who are non-binary may use they/them pronouns e.g. “They are really nice, they live in Dublin, they are going to the shop.”
+ Progress Pride Flag
The Progress Pride flag was created by Daniel Quasar in 2018. It adds blue, pink, and white to the traditional rainbow pride flag (to represent trans and non-binary communities) and brown and black to represent people of colour. In 2021 the flag was further updated by Valentino Vecchietti to include the intersex flag (a hollow purple circle on a yellow background).
+ Pronouns
Pronouns are words which we use to refer to an individual or individuals in place of their name e.g. I, you, he, she, they.
+ Transgender (Trans)
This term is used for people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender is an internal sense of being male, female, or something outside that binary, as well as being a pattern of expressions.
Transgender/trans is currently considered the most inclusive and respectful term for the variety of identities under this broad umbrella, however some people may self-identify using other terms, and this is to be respected.
+ Transition
The period of time in which a trans or non-binary person begins to live in their true gender identity, rather than the one they were assigned at birth. A person can transition personally (acknowledging to themselves that they are trans), socially (changing name/pronouns and adjusting their gender expression), legally (accessing legal gender recognition and documents in their true gender and name), and medically (which may involve hormones and/or surgical procedures). Everyone has a different journey, and no trans person is obliged to take any of these steps.
+ Transphobia
Transphobia relates to prejudice, hate, or a lack of acceptance directed specifically at those who are trans, or are perceived to be trans. Transphobia can also affect anyone who does not conform to traditional gender roles.
Pronouns
Names and pronouns are a key part of someone’s gender expression, because language informs how we engage with others and move through the world. We all use pronouns and have a sense of which pronouns feel right when others are speaking to or about us.
A trans or non-binary person may ask you to use a new name and/or a different set of gendered pronouns when referring to them as part of their transition. Referring to someone using the right pronouns is respectful, supportive, and helps them feel confident and secure in their gender expression.
How can I be respectful of someone’s pronouns?
Avoid making assumptions about someone’s pronouns based on their appearance, voice, or name.
If you’re not sure of someone’s pronouns, use their name instead, or discreetly ask which pronouns they would like you to use. You can also check with someone who knows them or see if they are listed in an email or social media profile.
Should I share my pronouns?
If you feel comfortable, absolutely! You can introduce yourself with your pronouns in the classroom, in meetings, and in group settings.
You can also list your pronouns in your email signature or social media profiles.
This is a gesture of allyship which lets trans and non-binary people know that you’re respectful of the challenges they may encounter when asking people to use the appropriate pronouns for them.
When someone changes their pronouns or name:
Take mental or physical notes to help remember the new name and/or pronouns so you know how to refer to them when you see them next.
Practice in your own time so you get used to the person’s new name and pronouns.
Correct yourself or others if a mistake is made - even if the person isn’t there at the time!
If you make a mistake, it’s OK! Don’t make a big deal of it or centre yourself in an apology - just apologise and move on.
Follow up if necessary and let the individual know that you support them.
They/Them pronouns:
Some people, particularly non-binary people, may use they/them pronouns or other gender-neutral pronouns because traditional gendered pronouns (he and she) do not fit their gender identity.
We use they/them for individuals all the time in English, e.g. “someone left their phone behind”
How can I be a trans ally?
Be respectful:
Avoid asking intrusive questions about a trans person’s body, medical history, deadname, or other personal questions.
Every trans and non-binary person has a different journey - no one transition is alike.
Be cautious about confidentiality - trans people may not be “out” in every space in their lives, depending on where they are at with their transition and other personal circumstances. Avoid revealing someone’s trans identity or old name.
Be supportive:
Check in on your trans friends, family, students, and community - give them space to talk and lift them up.
Politely correct others when they make mistakes with someone’s name or pronouns to help everyone get on board.
Challenge transphobic arguments in conversation, on social media, and in the classroom.
Educate yourself and share your education with others!
How can I support trans students in my school?
Policy:
Ensure your school’s anti-bullying policy directly addresses homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Work with school leadership, students, and families, to develop a policy which outlines procedures to support trans and non-binary students including:
Uniform code
Name / pronoun changes
Safe access to facilities including gender-neutral facilities where relevant
Support:
Does your school have an LGBTQ+ club? Consider setting one up with the help of your colleagues and interested students!
Link in with pastoral support across the school to help any trans or non-binary students who may be struggling with their identity, with coming out, or with bullying.
Help the student and their family to access supports outside school through groups like TENI and BeLonGTo.
Education:
Intervene and correct students if you encounter transphobic language or behaviour, including deliberate misgendering of a trans or non-binary student.
Visualise trans and LGBTQ+ identities within the curriculum where relevant.
Use gender neutral language, consider sharing your pronouns as a positive example.
Challenge gender stereotyping in the classroom.
Book a ShoutOut workshop to help your students understand LGBTQ+ identities.
To book a workshop or access advice for trans and non-binary inclusion in your school, contact Ollie at education@shoutout.ie
Non-Binary 101
The young people we meet in schools have lots of questions about what it means to be non-binary! Click on the questions to find out the answers!
+ How many genders are there?
As our gender identity is something that’s very personal to us, it is hard to pin down how many genders there are with a number. Everyone experiences being a man, a woman or another gender differently. It’s like if you asked how many colours there are! Gender, like colour, is on a spectrum. What’s most important is to respect people’s identity, their pronouns, and the name they want to go by.
+ What does non-binary mean?
Non-binary, in a simple definition, means someone who doesn’t identify within the male/female gender binary or someone who doesn’t solely identify as a man or a woman. This can mean different things to each non-binary person.
+ What does genderfluid mean?
Genderfluid is a term used to describe someone whose gender identity changes over time and isn’t fixed. For example, a genderfluid person may on some days identify more as a man while other times as a woman or another gender such as agender, genderqueer or non-binary.
+ What are they/them pronouns?
We use pronouns to refer to people instead of using their name, usually women will go by she/her pronouns and usually men will go by he/him. A lot of non-binary people will use they/them pronouns for themselves as they are genuinely seen as being gender neutral.Some non-binary people may use a mix of pronouns such as they/she or they/he.
While most of the time we use they/them for a group of people, we often use they/them pronouns without even realising it when we don’t know what gender someone is; ie someone left their bag here, I hope they get it back soon.
+ What are neopronouns?
For some trans and non-binary people traditional pronouns such as he, she or they don’t accurately fit with who they are. Sometimes they may use what's called neopronouns. Neopronouns are alternative pronouns parts of the trans community have come up with to help provide options for non-binary, genderfluid or other gender non conforming people. Some examples of neo pronouns in English are Ze/Zir/Zirs or Ey/Em/Eir. These have existed for a long time in queer communities before they/them pronouns became common.
+ What does it mean when someone's pronouns are she/they or he/they ?
If someone has indicated that they use she/they, he/they, they/he, or they/she pronouns, this means that you may use either of those pronouns for that person. Usually an individual will list their favoured pronoun first, but they may like you to use a mix of pronouns for them in conversation. These pronouns may indicate that someone feels fluidly about their gender.
+ How do you come out to someone as non-binary?
Coming out as non-binary can be difficult for young people, especially if they’re coming out to parents/relatives who may not understand what non-binary means. The important thing when coming out as any identity under the LGBTQ+ umbrella is you don’t have to do it if you’re not ready. But if you do want to come out, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You can tell them face to face, you can write them a letter, send them a text, just do whatever feels comfortable for you. It might be a good idea to point towards non-binary celebrities like Demi Lovato or Sam Smith first to get an idea of their knowledge on non-binary people.
If a parent or guardian is having a hard time understanding or want to learn more about non-binary people, you can point them towards ShoutOut’s Parents & Guardians Guide, and organisations such as ShoutOut, BeLonGTo or TENI or other resources.
+ If you're non-binary, what does your passport say?
A few countries like Malta, Iceland and Australia have allowed citizens to change their legal gender on their birth cert or passport to X or another gender neutral option. Likewise some US States such as California, New York and Oregon also have procedures around having a non-binary birth cert or passport.
Unfortunately in Ireland, there’s currently no option for non-binary people to have a gender neutral marker on their legal documents. Despite the fact that Ireland has Gender Recognition based on self-determination since 2015, this is only open to people who wish to change their legal gender to either male or female. This is something that the trans and non-binary community have been calling on the government to act on, and has been recommended as part of the review of the Gender Recognition Act.
+ What would you call a non-binary teacher?
While most students are used to calling their teacher either Mr, Mrs or Miss, a non-binary teacher may prefer to be called Mx (pronounced mix) as gender neutral title. Other times they may wish to be called something else like their last name or ‘teacher’. The important thing is to first ask the teacher what they wish to be called.
+ Are non-binary people trans?
As trans means someone who identifies as a gender different to the gender they were assigned at birth, many non-binary people see themselves as also being trans. Non-binary people, similarly to trans men and trans women, may wish to go through all or some forms of transition (such as personal, social, legal and medical) but this is all up to the individual. Some non-binary people don’t identify with the term trans as they may feel like that term doesn’t reflect their lived experience. It’s important to remember that there’s no right or wrong way to be non-binary/trans and everyone is in charge of their own labels.
+ How does someone come out as non-binary in school?
If someone in your school or class comes out as non-binary, you can support them by using their new pronouns and name if changed, and by encouraging others to use the correct pronouns and name. They may wish to wear a more gender neutral uniform and use gender neutral facilities.
+ What are some examples of good non-binary representation?
There are lots of TV shows and movies that have good representation of non-binary characters such as Cal Bowman from Sex Education, Jim Jimenez from Our Flag Means Death and Raine from The Owl House. Some books with non-binary characters are Loveless by Alice Oseman (Author of Heartstopper), I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver and An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Soloman.
