AFI Inclusive Dictionary

WORDS MATTER

AFI INCLUSIVE DICTIONARY Digital edition: October 2019

Language shapes how we see the world, and the words we use influence how we think and speak about others. Historically, language has excluded many people across the globe.

Groups and individuals have been discriminated against and marginalized because of their race and ethnicity, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, appearance and more. Today, it is widely accepted that our language should include everyone.

The AFI Inclusive Dictionary gives you language to avoid and overcome discrimination and marginalization.

It includes key terms and recommended usage for a range of inclusive words and phrases. Although the extent to which these terms are used varies from country to country, the dictionary will help to ensure that the language we use at AFI is respectful and inclusive of all groups and individuals.

This is not a complete or definitive list.

The dictionary is a living document that will be updated and adapted as words and phrases emerge and evolve. It is important to remember that worrying about the “right” or “wrong” word to use can stop you from trying. Making mistakes is a great chance to learn more inclusive ways of speaking. If you are not sure how to address someone or describe something, ask how they would like to be described or which terms are the best to use.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Gender Inclusive Finance workstream is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and other partners.

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We have organized this dictionary in alphabetical order. Click the section link below.

A-F

G-K

Q-U

L-P V-Z

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A-F

ADVOCATE

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A-F Advocate

Someone who educates others to end intolerance by actively supporting or acting in favor of disadvantaged groups or those who suffer from social inequality. Someone who accepts responsibility as a citizen to reduce the oppression of others.

Accessibility

Services, products, devices or environments designed to provide access to people with disabilities. Access may be assisted (e.g. computer screen readers) or unassisted (e.g. wheelchair ramps).

AFAB

Assigned Female at Birth.

Ally

Someone who respects and supports members of the LGBTQIA+ and other disadvantaged communities, usually a cisgender and straight person. An ally sometimes speaks for those who are distressed or in need until they can speak for themselves.

AMAB

Assigned Male at Birth.

Anti-Semitism

The fear or hatred of Jews, Judaism and related symbols.

Asexual

People who identify as asexual may have little or no sexual attraction to others, attraction only under certain conditions, or a complete lack of interest in any type of sexual relationship or sexual behavior with other people.

Assimilation

When one group adopts some or all of the characteristics of another culture over time.

Asylum Seeker

An individual who is seeking international protection through a claim for refugee status and is waiting for a decision from the country where the claim was submitted. Not every asylum seeker will ultimately be recognized as a refugee, but every refugee was once an asylum seeker.

BAME

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (groups).

Bias

A tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others. This usually results in treating some people unfairly.

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A-F Bisexual

A person who experiences sexual and/or romantic attraction to some women and some men. They will not necessarily be attracted to both genders equally. Also see “Pansexual”.

Black

Any group of people with dark-color skin, especially those of African and Australian Aboriginal ancestry.

Boy

A male child or young man. It is not appropriate to describe men over the age of 18 as a boy. Instead, use “Man/Men”.

Bullying

Behavior that is aggressive, repetitive, unwanted and represents an imbalance of power. There are many types of bullying, including relational (spreading rumors), sexual (unwanted advances), verbal (e.g. making threats, name calling, belittling), physical (e.g. hitting) and electronic (social media and texting – see “Cyberbullying”).

Categorization

The unconscious or cognitive process of assigning labels or groups to things or people, based on their perceived or real similarities. When these labels become rigid or oversimplified, they can stereotype people.

Cisgender

Cisgender people are those whose internal identity relates to the cultural norms and expected behaviors that are considered appropriate for the sex one was assigned at birth (i.e. biological sex at birth). A way to describe non-trans people.

Classism

Discriminatory actions or prejudicial thoughts based on differences in class, income or socio‐economic status, usually by higher status people towards lower status people.

Colored

An outdated and offensive term that should not be used unless in the context of certain groups from South Africa. In South Africa, “colored” means people who have mixed ethnic or biracial parentage. It should not be used in any other context.

It is more appropriate to use the term “people of color”.

Cultural Competence

Awareness of the various dynamics that occur when different cultures interact. Includes policies, attitudes and behaviors that help people, systems or organizations to understand cultural diversity and respond effectively.

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A-F Cultural Pluralism Recognizing and encouraging different lifestyles, beliefs and languages by creating supportive social structures that respect cultural diversity and the contribution of all groups to society.

Cyberbullying

The use of electronic communication and platforms (e.g. social media and texting) to bully a person, typically by sending images or messages that are intimidating or threatening. See “Bullying”.

Designated Gender A gender assigned at birth based on an individual’s sex and/or the gender that society perceives a person to be. See “AFAB” and “AMAB”.

Dialogue

A respectful and safe form of communication that may be uncomfortable and may not end in agreement. Dialogue is a mutual, back-and-forth exchange that aims to achieve greater understanding.

Disability

A visible or invisible limitation that affects an individual’s ability to do certain things. Disabilities can be permanent (e.g. the loss of a limb) or temporary (e.g. a broken limb) and can range in severity. It is not appropriate to use the term “the disabled”. Instead, use “disabled people” or “People with health conditions or impairments”.

Disadvantaged

Individuals, groups or places that experience unfavorable circumstances or are disproportionately affected. Generally, they experience a higher risk of social exclusion, poverty, violence and discrimination than the general population.

Examples of disadvantaged groups include, but are not limited to, ethnic minorities, women, migrants, people with disabilities, isolated elderly people and children and young people.

Discrimination

Privileging one group over others when providing services, goods or opportunities, and singling out one group for less favorable treatment. Those who discriminate may or may not be aware that they are doing it. Discrimination often starts with prejudice and negative stereotypes, and can range in severity from insults to hate crimes.

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A-F Diversity

The wide range of group and personal characteristics that human beings share. Also see “Gender diversity”.

Domestic Partner

A relationship that may have no legal status and does not provide couples the same rights as married couples, or that can provide a legal relationship that provides the same rights as a married couple.

Elderly

An ageist term that is considered derogatory to older people.

Instead, use “older person/people”.

Empowerment

When a subordinate group refuses to accept the prevailing ideology in a society and acts to ensure social power is distributed more equitably across all groups.

Equity

Proactive policies, attitudes, practices and actions that support equitable access, power, treatment, opportunities and outcomes for all.

Ethnicity

Being identified or identifying with a common culture, heritage, language, religion, physical appearance, name and range of customs associated with a particular geographical area, region or nation. Also see “Race”.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

The cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Feminism

The political, economic and social equality of the sexes.

Forcibly Displaced An FDP is an individual who has been forced from their home involuntarily, rather than (economic) migrants who have Person (FDP) chosen to move. The most common reasons that an individual becomes an FDP are armed conflict, human-made or natural disasters, ecological degradation, generalized violence and violation of human rights, including persecution based on ethnicity, nationality, political opinion, sex or gender. It is usually used as a broad term to refer to specific groups of FDPs. Also see “Asylum seeker, Stateless person, Refugee, Internally Displaced Person and Returnee”.

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G-K

INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSON (IDP) 9

G-K Gay

This can be used as a broad term, but in general refers to men who are primarily attracted sexually, and/or romantically and/or emotionally to other men.

Gender Analysis

Using techniques that help to inform, identify and analyze inequalities between men’s and women’s roles in society, and then acting to address these inequalities and the consequences they have on men and women’s lives.

Gender Diversity

Gender diversity is a broad term that is used when several genders are included in an event/activity/organization/team/ policy. It can also be used to describe the extent to which a person’s gender identity, role or expression differs from prescribed cultural norms for people of a particular sex. It is a more affirming and inclusive term than gender non-conforming.

Gender Equality

Equal access to economic participation, legal recourse, opportunities, decision making, services and education, regardless of gender. The absence of discrimination on the basis of a person’s sex.

Gender Identity

A person’s internal, deeply felt, inherent sense of being a boy, a man or male; a girl, a woman or female; or an alternative gender (e.g. genderqueer, gender non-conforming, boygirl, ladyboi). Gender identity may or may not match a person’s sex assigned at birth or with a person’s primary or secondary sex characteristics. A person’s gender identity is not necessarily visible to others and is not linked to sexual orientation.

Gender Inclusion

Open and inclusive to all people regardless of their gender identity and/or expression. Products, services and environments are not limited to people of a certain gender (e.g. gender-neutral toilets). Gender-inclusive pronouns include “they” and “ze”, and gender-inclusive terms include firefighter, partner, police officer and flight attendant.

Gender Mainstreaming

Ensuring the needs, experiences and concerns of both men and women are an integral part of the design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of programs and policies in all economic, legal, political and social areas. The goal is to not perpetuate inequality and to achieve gender equality, ensuring that women and men benefit equally.

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G-K Gender Role

One’s gender role may not match the expected behaviors, appearance and personality associated with the sex that they were assigned at birth. It may also relate to one’s societal role, which may or may not match the cultural characteristics associated with girls/women or boys/men.

Gender

Gender is more complex than “male/female”, and can be thought of as a spectrum along which people identify themselves. Gender is different from sex, which is associated with the biological aspects of femaleness or maleness.

Gender is associated with the behaviors, feelings, attitudes and cultural expectations of being masculine or feminine.

Behaviors that are considered incompatible with these expectations constitute gender non-conformity.

Generalization

A rushed or sweeping conclusion based on insufficient facts or biased evidence.

Girl

A female child or young woman. It is not an appropriate term to describe women over the age of 18. Instead, use “woman/ women”.

Glass Ceiling

Real or perceived barriers that affect the hiring and/or promotion of disadvantaged groups, such as women and girls, and prevent them from advancing in their careers.

Harassment

There are many different types of harassment. It is similar to bullying, and violates and diminishes someone’s dignity.

Harassment is unwanted behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, hostile and degrading environment for an individual.

Hate Crime

A crime motivated by the actual or perceived color, race, national origin, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability of any person.

Hermaphrodite

An outdated and derogatory term. See “Intersex”.

Heteronormativity The assumption that everyone is heterosexual and that heterosexuality is superior to all other sexualities. The belief that gender, gender roles, sex and sexuality all align, which stigmatizes other sexualities.

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G-K Heterosexual/ Straight

Being attracted primarily or solely to some members of a different gender.

Homophobia

Negative attitudes, actions and behaviors toward members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, or fear, dislike or disgust if one is perceived as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Homosexual

A historically stigmatizing medical term that is discouraged in common use. See “Gay” or “Lesbian”.

In‐group Bias

Favoring members of your own group over other groups and rewarding them socially, economically, emotionally and psychologically.

Intergender

Someone who does not identify as either a man or a woman, but somewhere in between.

Internally Displaced Person (IDP)

An individual who has been forced to flee from their home or place where they usually reside, but has not crossed an internationally recognized state border.

Intersectionality

A feminist sociological theory. Intersectionality refers to the overlapping layers of disadvantage and discrimination that certain groups or individuals face. These interconnected layers include gender, age, class, race, sexuality and disability.

Intersex

Intersex individuals are people born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy and/or a chromosome pattern that cannot be classified as typically male or female. Being intersex is about as common as having red hair. Intersex individuals can have any romantic/sexual orientation and can have any gender identification.

Islamophobia

The fear or hatred of Muslims, Islam and related symbols.

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L-P

LGBTQIA+

or

LGBTQQIAAP 13

L-P Lesbian

Women who are primarily attracted sexually, and/or romantically and/or emotionally to other women.

LGBTQIA+ or LGBTQQIAAP

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Allied, Pansexual.

Mansplaining

A range of cultural assumptions that falsely assume a woman does not understand and needs a man to explain something to her. It places men’s opinions over women’s and is often delivered in an overconfident, oversimplified, condescending and inaccurate manner. It is also related to “manspreading” (men taking up an unnecessary amount of room in public spaces). Also see “Whitesplaining”.

Marginalized

Individuals or groups that have been or have chosen to be ignored, excluded, or relegated to the edges of a group, society or community. Marginalized groups are not necessarily deprived, vulnerable or disadvantaged. Also see “Disadvantaged”.

Migrant

A person who has crossed an international border or moved within a state away from their usual place or residence. It does not matter why they have moved, whether it is voluntary of involuntary or how long they plan to be away for. Migration can be for work, education or better living conditions, or it can be forced. See “Forcibly Displaced Person”.

Minority Group

A subordinate group whose members experience fewer opportunities and have significantly less control or power over their lives than members of a dominant or majority group.

Misogyny

A belief that women should not be respected and/or should not be equal to men. This is different from sexism. Misogyny shows a contempt for or an ingrained prejudice, dislike or hatred of women.

Multi-ethnic

A person whose biological parents come from two or more ethnicities, or a person who identifies as coming from two or more ethnicities.

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L-P Multi-racial

A person whose biological parents come from two or more races, or a person who identifies as coming from two or more races.

Native

Associated with the place that you were born, whether or not you currently live there.

Negro

An outdated and offensive term used toward black people.

Use “black” or “people of color” instead.

Non-binary

Also see “Intergender”. Should only be used to relate to someone who self-identifies as non-binary, although sometimes the term “genderqueer” is used.

Older (person)

There is no common agreement about when someone becomes an older person, although 60+ is frequently used.

However, “older person” is generally defined by a range of characteristics, including changes in one’s ability to do certain things, their social role and chronological age. The term “old person” has negative connotations and should be avoided.

Oppression

Oppression is the use of power and privilege, either by an individual or institution, to benefit one group/individual at the expense of another group/individual.

Pansexual

A person who experiences physical, romantic, emotional and/ or spiritual attraction to members of all gender identities/ expressions. Often shortened to “pan”.

Patriarchy

A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely marginalized or excluded from it.

People of Color

A broad term to describe any person who is not white.

Pluralism

See “Cultural Pluralism”.

Positive/ Legally supported actions that support marginalized groups Affirmative Action and individuals in overcoming disadvantages they face in society.

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L-P Prejudice (negative)

A negative and preconceived biased judgment about a person or group of people that can lead to fear and hatred of those outside your own group.

Privilege

A special benefit that provides you with advantages, rights, favors or exemptions from liabilities or duties.

Proportionality

Actions or measures that are necessary and appropriate.

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Q-U

TOLERANCE

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Q-U Queer

A sexual or gender identity that does not conform to cisgender or heterosexual norms.

Race

The sociological concept of race refers to how people classify and identify each other, but it is generally accepted that there are no genetic characteristics that distinguish one group of people from another. Instead, all people share some overlapping physical characteristics so “race” is not a physical or biological concept. The term “ethnicity” is preferable.

Racism (cultural)

Elevating the values, stories, messages, representations and behaviors of white people and considering them to be the norm or better than those associated with other racially defined groups.

Racism (environmental)

The intentional exclusion of people of color from the leadership of the environmental movement and from the official sanctioning of laws, regulations and policies that allow life-threatening waste facilities, toxins and chemicals into communities dominated by people of color.

Racism (individual)

Arbitrarily dividing different races by different abilities or characteristics and believing that some races are inferior or superior to others.

Racism (institutional/ structural)

The practices and policies of institutions and social structures that reinforce inequalities among ethnic and racial groups and create different outcomes for different groups.

Racism (internalized)

Accepting, either consciously or subconsciously, the biases, stereotypes and racist views of the dominant society. Racism can lead to people valuing the oppressive and dominant culture, while invalidating, criticizing, discriminating, hating and finding fault with yourself and minority groups.

Rape Culture

Normalizes, trivializes and excuses rape in both popular culture and the media. Rape culture is underpinned by misogynistic language, sexual violence on television and film and the objectification of women. Rape culture teaches women and girls to defend themselves instead of teaching men and boys not to commit rape. Also see “Misogyny” and “Victim blaming”.

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Q-U Refugee

An individual who meets the eligibility criteria under an applicable refugee definition as provided by international or regional instruments, UNHCR’s mandate and/or in national legislation. For example, the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, the 1968 Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa or the 1984 Cartagena Declaration on Refugees.

Returnee

A former refugee who has returned to their countries of origin either spontaneously or in an organized fashion, but are not yet fully integrated.

Right

A resource or position that everyone has equal access or availability to regardless of their social group.

Rights-Based Approach (RBA)

A rights-based approach to development aims to achieve a positive mix of economic development and human rights and shared power between various stakeholders.

Safe Space

A place where a person can express themselves freely while respecting others, and where their self-respect and dignity is protected. People will not be made to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable based on their mental or physical ability, age, sexual orientation, cultural background, gender identity or expression, biological sex, ethnicity or race.

Sex

Sex is generally determined by the appearance of physical genitalia, either before birth, during a scan, or after birth, and then recorded on a birth certificate. If it is not possible to clearly identify a person’s biological sex at birth because they have ambiguous genitalia (see “Intersex”), then other factors, such as secondary sex characteristics, internal genitalia, hormonal and chromosomal sex, can be used to assign a sex that will align with the child’s gender identity.

For most people, their biological sex and gender identity align (see “Cisgender”). However, for gender non-conforming individuals (see “Trans”), their gender identity varies from their biological sex in differing degrees. Sex is your biological and physical identity, while gender is linked to cultural and social traits. It is important not to mix sex and gender as they are different terms with different meanings.

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Q-U Sexism

Discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender. See “Discrimination”).

Sexual Orientation

This is not the same as sexual preference. Sexual orientation relates to those who you are romantically or sexually attracted to. It covers a wide range of orientations and can change over time. Sexual orientation is not one clear category, and women are more flexible in their orientation than men. See “Asexual, Bisexual, Gay, Heterosexual, Lesbian, Pansexual, Queer”.

Social Justice

A vision of a society where all members are safe and secure, both physically and psychologically. Resources are used and distributed equitably and people have a sense of responsibility toward others and society that is driven by their own actions.

Stateless Person

An individual who is not considered a national by any state under its law (no nationality).

Stereotype

Generalized beliefs, unconscious associations and expectations about all members of a certain group. Stereotypes are based on oversimplified opinions, prejudicial attitudes or uncritical judgments. Stereotypes are not necessary or useful categorizations because they are typically negative, based on little information and highly generalized.

Tolerance

Not necessarily agreeing with differing viewpoints, but being accepting and open-minded to different cultures, attitudes and practices.

Toxic Masculinity

Narrow and repressive ideas about male gender roles, including exaggerated masculine traits like being unemotional, sexually aggressive and violent.

Trans/Transgender A broad term that includes transgender men (transmen) and transgender women (transwomen) who have non-binary identities that do not follow socially defined gender norms.

Transsexual

A less common, outdated term that should be used only if a person specifically self-identifies as transsexual. Otherwise, use “Trans/Transgender”.

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Q-U Transvestite/ Cross Dresser

A person who dresses as the binary opposite gender expression. This may be for fun, sexual gratification or relaxation. Not to be confused with “Trans/Transgender”.

Unconscious Bias/ Negative associations that people unknowingly hold and are Implicit Bias not aware that they express. Even if they state a commitment to equality and fairness, this bias affects their actions and attitudes. Tests are available to measure implicit biases about gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion and other topics.

Underutilization

A situation where members of disadvantaged groups, such as those with disabilities or BAME, are underrepresented in certain jobs or roles compared to their overall participation in the labor force.

Unisex

Something that is appropriate for any sex/gender. Examples include clothes, toys, feelings, behaviors, thoughts and relationships.

Upskirting

The unwanted and unauthorized practice of making videos or taking photographs under a woman’s skirt or man’s kilt to capture an image of the crotch area, underwear and sometimes genitalia.

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V-Z

WHITESPLAINING

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V-Z Victim Blaming

When a victim of any wrongful act or crime, such as sexual assault, is blamed for the harm they experienced. Women are often “slut-shamed” and victim-blamed at the same time.

Whitesplaining

When a white person explains why something is offensive to a person of color. White people do not get to decide what is or is not offensive/racist to people of color.

Woke

Closely linked to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, “woke” is used to describe a person who is informed about and alert to injustice in society, especially racism.

Xenophobia

A culturally based fear of outsiders/foreigners and those who immigrate to societies and communities. This fear can be based on ethnic, religious or racial prejudice, or economic factors like competition for jobs.

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CONTACT US

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