Our Glossary
DEIB Glossary of Terms
Stay up to date with the world of DEIB using Global Learning's glossary of terms, meticulously crafted by a team of experts through in-depth and thoughtful research. This dynamic, approachable, and free resource will allow you to expand your DEIB understanding by leveraging the nuances of our thought-provoking definitions and feel empowered to engage in meaningful dialogue with others around you.
Please note that our definitions are subjective, and we welcome all feedback. If you would like a digital copy for your organization, please contact info@egloballearning.com.
When an individual is consciously aware of their attitudes, beliefs or preferences towards a person or group.
A distinct group among the Indigenous Peoples in Canada who are not ethnically or culturally Métis and Inuit.
A term used to identify people that are sexually and emotionally attracted to the same gender as themself. Gay is often used to describe men attracted to other men, but it can also be an umbrella term for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
A person whose gender identity and expression are not static and can change even from day to day. Some genderfluid people will use a different name or pronouns or have a different gender expression based on their current identification.
The inaccurate concept which asserts that there are only two genders, men and women, and that everyone falls under one or the other. The gender binary establishes clear distinctions between what is deemed 'masculine' and 'feminine', assigning traditional roles to fit each category; using societal expectation to dictate how individuals should behave. This reinforces stereotypical social norms, hampering our ability to express ourselves freely as individuals.
The discomfort and distress a person feels when their gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth.
An umbrella term used to characterize those that identify beyond the traditional understandings of gender expression, gender identity and gender norms. Some individuals identify as a combination of different genders, somewhere along the gender spectrum or beyond the gender binary.
How a person presents their gender identity to others through their behaviours or appearance in clothing, hairstyle, body language and voice. A person's chosen name and pronouns are also a way of expressing gender.
A person's self-perception and experience of their gender and how they refer to themselves. An individual's gender identity can be the same or different from their assigned sex at birth.
Refers to policies, language, and environments that do not differentiate or segregate based on sex or gender. Gender-neutral practices do not ignore gender but instead are inclusive of all genders.
The unwritten rules of socially accepted ways a person is expected to act, behave, or look based on their gender.
The dominant ideologies and cultural norms that describe the accepted and encouraged behaviours, social roles, status, and expression a person is expected to have in relation to their gender. Gender roles can vary amongst different cultures and communities.
Describes gender as a continuum that includes "men" and "women" but acknowledges that they are not opposites and that many gender identities and expressions exist outside the gender binary.
Any unwanted behaviour that makes a person feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or threatened. This kind of behaviour often involves persistent verbal or physical abuse, such as name-calling, mocking, intimidating or threatening statements, or the repeated intrusion into a person's personal space. Harassment can also be nonverbal in nature and can include sending discriminatory messages through emails or social media, displaying offensive images or posters, making offensive jokes or comments about someone's race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, disability status or any other protected basis. In some cases, harassment can even involve physical contact such as unwanted touching and sexual assault.
The concept that heterosexuality (being straight) is the natural and preferred expression of sexuality.
The attitudes, prejudice or biases that favour or privilege heterosexual relationships and heterosexuality and discriminates against non-heterosexual people. It includes the belief that heterosexuality is normal and homosexuality, by extension, is not normal, otherwise known as heteronormativity. Heterosexism is the belief system that supports homophobia, the discriminatory actions, practices, and beliefs against non-heterosexual people.
A man who solely experiences sexual or romantic attraction to women, and vice versa. The word "straight" is more commonly used to describe this orientation.
A system of power, authority, and control that is found in most social structures. It is typically composed of ranks or levels that are established based on pre-defined criteria such as wealth, gender, political power, and race. Hierarchies can be seen in the workplace, educational institutions, religious organizations and even within families. In hierarchies, those at the top often have more rights and privileges than those beneath them. This unequal distribution of power can create an environment where those with power are able to oppress or marginalize people who possess equity-deserving identities that decenter the structure. Hierarchies can also lead to systemic injustice and inequality if decisions are made without consideration for individuals' needs or perspectives.
Social, economic, or institutional disadvantage resulting from past discriminatory laws or practices. Historically disadvantaged groups are also referred to as "under-represented" or "equity-deserving groups", which includes Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities and women.
The way in which religious beliefs, values, and practices shape an individual's self-understanding. It is the recognition that each person has a unique relationship with their faith and religious traditions, whether they are related to specific doctrines, rituals, or practices. Religious identity may be shaped by personal experiences, family background, culture of origin, and other factors. Through the lens of religious identity, individuals can identify themselves as being part of a larger community and possess an understanding of ways in which their own beliefs have been shaped by their culture's traditions and faith-based teachings.
The classification of people as either male or female. Sex is usually assigned at birth and is based on an assessment of a person's reproductive systems, hormones, chromosomes, and other physical characteristics. Unspecified gender is now officially represented by an 'X' on government documents internationally, allowing room for unique self-expression and inner identity.
The sex or gender assigned to a person, usually at birth, by a doctor, nurse, or midwife. This assignment is generally based on the external anatomy of the infant and sometimes includes an assessment of the infant's hormones, chromosomes or other characteristics related to reproduction.
The prejudice that marginalizes and discriminates against people based on sex. Sexism is informed by stereotypes, gender roles, and cultural ideas about the superiority of one sex over others.
Describes a person's experience of sexual attraction towards a group or groups of people, their identity based on those attractions, or their membership in a community with others who share those attractions. Sexual orientation is defined by feelings of attraction rather than behaviour. This may include sexual, romantic, spiritual, or emotional attraction.
Visibly expressing support for those around you when they face barriers in society. Solidarity involves actively working together to achieve shared goals and overcome obstacles as a collective. It is rooted in empathy, compassion, and understanding for others who have faced struggles similar to our own. Solidarity serves as a powerful tool of resistances against systems of oppression that seek to divide us along lines of race, class, gender, ability, and more.
Generalizations or myths perpetuated about a group of people, often used to create a negative image of those communities. Stereotypes are based on assumptions and misunderstandings and can inform discriminatory practices and beliefs.
Critique of thoughts or actions being influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than facts or objectivity. It can refer to a state of mind that views experiences, events, and people through personal filters, biases, values, and beliefs. Subjective viewpoints are often shaped by emotions and personal experiences.
Policies, procedures, or practices that may appear neutral on the surface, but unfairly discriminate and prevent individuals from participating fully in a situation. Systemic barriers usually exist in economic policies or organizational practices.
Racism that exists within the structures of organizations, institutions, and societies through the implementation of practices, policies, and laws that promote or perpetuate disadvantage for racialized persons. Examples are seen throughout various facets of life including education, health care, politics, and criminal justice system. Systemic racism has a cumulative effect on racialized persons by creating barriers to social mobility and access to resources, often occurring in more subtle ways than overt discrimination. On a larger scale, it works to maintain existing power dynamics by perpetuating racial stereotypes and systemic inequity across educational institutions, healthcare systems, employment opportunities, legal proceedings etc.
A form of discrimination that refers to bias or prejudice against individuals based on the texture or style of their hair. This type of discrimination is especially prevalent in black communities. Historically, this meant a preference for hair with smoother/ looser texture; discrimination against people with kinkier, coarse hair. Texturism often takes the form of stereotypes which are used to judge one's worth or value in society. It can manifest itself in criticism of an individual's choice of hairstyle, shaming someone for not conforming to certain standards, or even denying employment opportunities based on an individual's chosen hairstyle.
The practice of including a person or people from a marginalized community, as a mostly symbolic gesture, to be perceived as committed to or working towards equity for that group.
A term that describes a wide range of people whose gender identity or gender expression differs from stereotypical expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Identifying as transgender is something that each person decides for themselves and does not depend on criteria such as having surgery or taking hormones.
The attitudes, prejudice or biases that favour or privilege cisgender people and discriminates against transgender people.
A term used by some Indigenous communities to describe people with diverse gender identities, gender expressions, gender roles and sexual orientations. This term reflects Indigenous understandings of gender and sexuality and connects to various cultural identities, roles and practices.
The undeniable advantages and freedoms that white communities experience because of the power and superiority placed on white racial identity. Those who experience white privilege may not be aware of it. White privilege does not imply that white people do not face hardship but rather that their race is not contributing to the adversity they face.
A term used to describe the phenomenon in which non-marginalized people, typically white people, attempt to save or help marginalized communities without considering the systemic issues that are causing these communities' social and economic disadvantages. Often these same people take on a controlling attitude, appropriating cultures and beliefs while disregarding or ignoring the opinions or agency of those they are trying to help. Also utilized as a tool of empowerment, it can be used as a way to gain recognition and praise for "good deeds".
This is exemplified in various forms of media (such as books and movies) where white people are depicted as liberating, rescuing, or uplifting marginalized communities. This behaviour can create an imbalance of power and lead to further oppression and exploitation.
The process of erasing or minimizing the contributions, achievements, and representation of racialized communities in order to create a false impression of equity or fairness in society by placing the focus on white people. This is done through the deliberate exclusion of racialized individuals in decision-making processes, media representations, and popular culture. Whitewashing also takes place when society ignores or downplays the effects of racism on people's lived experiences. As such, whitewashing perpetuates systemic inequity between dominant groups and those from racialized backgrounds by excluding them from opportunities for power and resources.
The fear and disdain someone may feel towards people, religions, and cultures different from their own. Xenophobia is often expressed towards immigrants or people from other places in the world.