8 Definition of Terms is learned through socialisation. It is not static or innate, but evolves to respond to changes in the social, political and cultural environment.16 “Gender expression” refers to the “…way in which a person acts to communicate gender within a given culture; for example, in terms of clothing, communication patterns and interests. A person’s gender expression may or may not be consistent with socially prescribed gender roles, and may or may not reflect his or her gender identity.”17 It refers to all of the external characteristics and behaviors that are socially defined as either masculine or feminine, such as dress, grooming, mannerisms, speech patterns and social interactions. “Gender identity” is understood to refer to each person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, including the personal sense of the body (which may involve, if freely chosen, modification of bodily appearance or function by medical, surgical or other means) and other expressions of gender, including dress, speech and mannerisms.18 “Intersex” intersex is a term that relates to a broad range of congenital physical traits of variations that lie between ideals of male and female. Intersex people are born with physical, hormonal or genetic features that are neither wholly male or a combination of female and male. Many forms of intersex exist; it is a spectrum or umbrella term rather than a single category. At least 30-40 different variations are known to science.19 “Lesbian” Lesbian women experience sexual attraction and the capacity for an intimate relationship primarily with other women.20 16 UNHCR 17 The Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients, adopted by the APA Council of Representatives, February 18-20, 2011. http://www.apa.org/pi/ lgbt/resources/sexuality-definitions.pdf 18 The Yogyakarta Principles, Introduction to. Accessed on 3.19.2015 http://www.yogyakartaprinciples.org/principles_en.pdf 19 Making your Service Intersex Friendly. Organization Intersex International Australia. oii.org.au 20 UN ESCAP (2012) Booklet 8: Education Sector Responses to Homophobic Bullying. “Sex” Sex refers to a person’s biological status and is typically categorized as male, female, or intersex (i.e., atypical combinations of features that usually distinguish male from female). There are a number of indicators of biological sex, including sex chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs, and external genitalia.21 “Sexuality” is defined as “a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.22” “Sexual Orientation” Actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality, either by orientation or by practice. “Substantive Equality” CEDAW’s standard of equality. It is interpreted by the CEDAW Committee to mean de facto (equality in fact or actual equality) or equality of results. The achievement of substantive equality, however, entails that women are given equal opportunities and an enabling environment to achieve equal results.23 “Transgender” Transgender describes a person whose gender identity differs from their sex at birth. Transgender people may be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.24 “Transsexual” A transsexual is a transgender person who is in the process of, or has undertaken, treatment (which may include surgery and hormonal 21 The Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients, adopted by the APA Council of Representatives, February 18-20, 2011. http://www.apa.org/pi/ lgbt/resources/sexuality-definitions.pdf 22 World Health Organization, 2006 23 UN Women. Do our Laws Promote Gender Equality. 24 UN ESCAP (2012) Booklet 8: Education Sector Responses to Homophobic Bullying. CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines