Recognizing diversity in gender and sexuality and body size

Know the language

LGBTQ+: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and additional marginalized gender or sexual identities


Nonbinary: An adjective to describe people whose gender identity is not completely male or completely female


Pronouns: The most common are “he/him,” “she/her,” and “they/them.” But many more exist. Ask “What pronouns do you use?” or “What are your pronouns?”


Transgender: Having a gender identity that does not perfectly match the sex assigned at birth. It is typically not a gender. Some consider being transgender as part of their identity, and some do not.

Key reminder: Use “is” instead of “identifies as” for gender and sexuality, and avoid “prefers” in reference to pronouns.