Our Glossary

The acronym for " Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer." The plus sign represents and acknowledges other identities not explicitly defined in the acronym, such as questioning, intersex, or asexual.

The systemic and social discrimination of people with disabilities that also privileges people without a disability. Ableism perpetuates the idea that people without disabilities are normal and superior and that people with disabilities are inferior or need to be "cured." Ableism manifests in our language through words like "lame" or "moron" and in the form of physical barriers or lack of accommodations.

The practice of designing physical or digital spaces available to and operable by everyone regardless of their ability.

The act of adjusting or adapting to a certain situation, environment, or circumstance. Within the workplace context, a job accommodation is an adjustment to a job or work environment for an individual to perform the essential duties of their job. A common misconception is that accommodations are solely reserved for persons with disabilities. However, reasonable accommodations are available and apply to all persons provided they are addressing human rights factors ensuring fairness and equity for identity considerations such as: age, religious needs, gender identity, family status, etc. Accommodations may include specialized equipment, modifications to the work environment, or adjustments to work schedules or responsibilities.

The public act of arguing for, recommending, or supporting a person, cause, or policy with the goal of helping others find their voice. 

A set of ideologies that discriminates against people based on their age. It can impact individuals of any age but is typically directed towards younger and older people. Ageism occurs due to negative bias, or stereotypes that normalize harmful beliefs about children, young people, and older people, such as the idea that they are a burden or can't meaningfully contribute to society through things like work.

Those who do not experience or identify with any gender.

Any person who actively promotes and aspires to advance a culture of inclusion to create affirming and welcoming environments for everyone.

Being an ally is best understood as a verb rather than a noun, as it is an ongoing practice and commitment to equity, not a status to achieve. A person cannot declare themselves an ally; they must be recognized as an ally by the communities they want to support.

The practice of acknowledging and removing barriers, improving equity whenever possible, and listening to the needs identified by equity-deserving groups. It consists of an offer to support equity-deserving groups and formulate connections to assist them in their efforts to seek change, social justice, or recognition. 

A person whose gender expression has masculine and feminine elements.

A document that lists the steps taken to achieve a specific goal. The purpose of an action plan is to clarify what resources are required to reach the goal, formulate a timeline for when specific tasks need to be completed and determine what resources are required. Some employment equity legislation requires organizations to develop action plans that address hiring, training, promotion, and retention of members of underrepresented groups to correct under-representation and eliminate barriers.

The ongoing race-based discrimination, negative stereotyping, and injustice experienced by Asian communities. It includes ideas and practices that establish, maintain, and perpetuate erasure, power imbalances, systemic barriers, and inequitable outcomes that stem from a legacy of colonial policies and practices. 

Systemic anti-Asian racism has evolved from historical Canadian policies such as "head taxes", Japanese internment camps, and The Chinese Exclusion Act. It can also manifest in inequitable outcomes in education, well-being, and health. Individual lived experiences of anti-Asian racism can be seen through the monumental resurgence in acts of hostility and violence directed at Asian people since the beginning of the 2020 pandemic. 

Anti-Asian racism disproportionately impacts East, South and Southeast Asian communities, while Central and Western Asians tend to face alternative forms of racial oppression. To more appropriately discuss stereotypes, discrimination and other issues facing Central and Western Asian communities, it is necessary to create unique spaces dedicated to addressing issues such as Islamophobia or anti-Arab discrimination.

The ongoing race-based discrimination, negative stereotyping, and injustice experienced by Black communities. It includes ideas and practices that establish, maintain, and perpetuate erasure, power imbalances, systemic barriers, and inequitable outcomes that stem from a legacy of colonial policies and practices. 

Systemic anti-Black racism has evolved from historical Canadian policies such as enslavement, segregation, and limitations on property rights. It can also manifest in the overrepresentation of Black peoples in criminal justice and child welfare systems, as well as inequitable outcomes in education, well-being, and health. 

Individual lived experiences of anti-Black racism can be seen in the continuous microaggressions and hate speech, police brutality, and racial profiling directed at Black people.

The ongoing race-based discrimination, negative stereotyping, and injustice experienced by Indigenous communities. It includes ideas and practices that establish, maintain, and perpetuate erasure, power imbalances, systemic barriers, and inequitable outcomes that stem from the legacy of colonial policies and practices in Canada. 

Systemic anti-Indigenous racism has evolved from Canadian policies such as the various iterations of the Indian Act and the residential school system. It can also manifest in the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in criminal justice and child welfare systems, as well as inequitable outcomes in education, well-being, health and access to land. 

Individual lived experiences of anti-Indigenous racism can be seen in the continuous microaggressions, stigma, stereotyping and violence directed at Indigenous people.

A way of understanding and recognizing how race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, body size, citizenship, and class can be the basis for marginalizing particular groups of people. Anti-oppressive actions or strategies aim to challenge and remove systemic, institutional, and individual forms of oppression and create equity for all people.

The active and ongoing work to alleviate and advocate against the discrimination of racialized people and to create equity for everyone regardless of race. Anti-racism work involves acknowledging and challenging racist beliefs and practices on interpersonal, structural, and social levels.

A form of discrimination, prejudice, or hostility directed against Jewish individuals or the Jewish community, based on their religious, cultural, or ethnic background. These beliefs have persisted in various forms throughout history, including religious intolerance, social exclusion, economic discrimination, and violent persecution. Antisemitism can manifest in conspiracy theories, dehumanizing language, discriminatory policies, or physical attacks. 

A person who lacks or has a low sexual attraction or desire to engage in sexual activity. Asexuality exists on a spectrum that includes sub-identities such as demisexual, which describes someone who only feels sexual attraction when they share an emotional bond. Asexuality is distinct from celibacy or abstinence, which is the deliberate refraining from sexual activity.

The process in which a minority group or culture assumes the behaviors, values, rituals, and beliefs of a majority group.

The most honest representation of you. Who you are and know yourself to be regardless of where you work, who you know, etc.

A complex developmental disability of variable severity involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive patters of thought or behaviour.

Belonging is a sense of fitting in or feeling like you are an important member of a group—the feeling where employees can be their authentic selves without judgement.

Personal influences resulting in favouritism or prejudice towards an idea, object, or individual.

An attitude of hatred or intolerance toward a group of people based on their religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity factor. It includes the beliefs that certain groups are inferior to others and should be treated differently, often in a discriminatory manner. This can lead to discrimination and even violence against those seen as different. Bigotry involves a refusal to accept differences in opinion or lifestyle, leading to prejudice and negative attitudes towards those who are different.

An acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. 

In the DEIB space, this is now an outdated term. To remain in line with best practice, the preferred or updated term is "racialized". 

An individual who is romantically or sexually attracted to people of more than one gender or to those who are the same or different gender from themselves.

A racialized classification of people, often a political and usually a skin colour-based category for specific populations with a mid to dark brown complexion. It is most commonly used for people of African ancestry but is not necessarily an indicator of any close ancestral relationship.

A term for someone whose gender identity is in alignment with the sex assigned to them at birth. 

The attitudes, bias, or prejudice that favour or privilege cisgender people. It includes the assumption that all people are cisgender, that being cisgender is the norm and that being of a diverse gender identity is abnormal, otherwise known as cisnormativity. Cissexism and transphobia are connected; transphobia often describes the actions, practices and beliefs informed by cissexism. 

Discriminatory policies, practices, and beliefs against people or groups because of their socioeconomic status based on wealth, income, social status and occupation.

A political, social, and economic theory whereby one group exerts their power and control over another. This theory relies on the belief that the "dominant" group has a right to land due to their power - leading to colonization. 

The act of exerting power and maintaining control of a particular group through the territory they inhabit. This process involves the erasure of characteristics such as resources, culture, language, identity, and politics unique to that particular group.

The practice or belief that to end discrimination and achieve equality, it is best to treat all people the same by ignoring racial differences. Colourblindess is harmful because it ignores important historical and ongoing inequities between people of different races and ethnicities.

A form of discrimination based on skin tone. It often involves lighter-skinned individuals having greater social and economic privilege than people with darker complexions. Colourism is rooted in the idea that lighter skin tones are more desirable than darker ones and is closely related to racism and other forms of prejudice. It manifests itself in many ways, including preferential treatment of lighter-skinned people in the workplace, education system, and even in family dynamics. Colourism has been present throughout history, often as a result of colonization, slavery, and/or imperialism. Its effects can be seen in disparities between light-skinned and dark-skinned members of racialized populations, often resulting in lower incomes, educational attainment, and social status among those with darker complexions.

A type of social behaviour in which an individual adjusts their beliefs, attitudes and behaviours to align with those of a group. It is often seen as a form of compliance or obedience to perceived social pressures from within the group and involves sacrificing one's own personal interests. Conformity can be either voluntary or involuntary, although most instances of conformity involve some kind of voluntary acceptance or agreement. 

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a branch of legal scholarship that examines the systemic ways in which race and racism operate in society. It uses a critical lens to examine existing structures, institutions, and systems of power at local, national, and global levels in order to identify how racism shapes law and policy. CRT also seeks to uncover the role that racism has played in creating inequalities between marginalized groups and dominant groups within society. It looks at how past discrimination has shaped current policies, practices, and norms as well as how it continues to inform decision-making today. In addition, CRT also focuses on the empowerment of marginalized people by addressing issues such as inequity of access to power, resources, opportunities, justice and recognition.

The inappropriate adoption of an element or elements of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. The practice of appropriation often reinforces stereotypes and contributes to the further oppression of marginalized individuals.

Having an adept understanding, knowledge, and ability to interact respectfully with people of different cultures and communities. Culture competence acknowledges the differences and similarities between cultures without assigning them a value.

A community of people who share the same beliefs, behaviours, values, language, outlooks, and opinions.

The characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, including elements such as language, manners of interacting, thoughts, values, expected behaviours, practices, relationships, customs, roles, rituals, courtesies, and communication.

The process of freeing oneself from colonialism to regain control and autonomy over land, resources, culture, language, identity, and politics. Decolonization requires active resistance against colonial powers, and a shift of power towards political, economic, educational, cultural, and psychic independence that originates from a colonized nation's own indigenous culture. Ultimately decolonization is a process of transforming relationships so that all people are free to define their own identities in their own terms.

A community of people from the same homeland who have been scattered or migrated to other lands. This community may be created voluntarily or by force. For example, moving for better economic opportunity or traumatic events such as war or colonization. People of a diaspora typically preserve and celebrate the culture and traditions of their homeland.

The representation of differences. The psychological, physical, and social variations among people include age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, ability, national origin, religion/belief, marital status, socioeconomic status etc. A diverse space is where many different social and cultural characteristics blend.

Systems that allocate resources and/or opportunities needed to reach a fair outcome. 

Providing the same tools, accommodation, resources, and opportunities to everyone, regardless of their differences.

Providing fair treatment based on individual needs while recognizing and removing barriers that challenge or prevent some people from fully engaging or succeeding in their work. 

Communities that experience significant collective barriers, to equitable access, opportunities, and resources while participating in society.

The way of organizing people into social groups based on common identity markers like geography, values, beliefs, behaviours, traditions, language, history, political/economic interests, and ancestry.

Consciously or unconsciously applying one's own culture or ethnicity as a frame of reference to judge other cultures, practices, behaviours, beliefs, and people, instead of using the standards of the particular culture involved. 

The active favouritism of European culture. Eurocentrism fails to acknowledge the barriers and experiences of other ethnicities and considers other cultures to be inferior.

When an individual is consciously aware of their attitudes, beliefs or preferences towards a person or group.

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.

Irrational dislike, fear, and prejudice against people of diverse sexual orientations.

When bias or prejudice is unintentional or involuntary and turns into an unconscious action.

Creating a dynamic environment where everyone is respected, valued and no one feels excluded. Inclusion is a critical step to confronting the barriers that exist for certain equity groups in workplaces.

A philosophy and methodology which aims to make all products, services, and spaces accessible to people of all abilities. It involves intentionally creating and designing experiences with an awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in mind. This can involve considerations such as universal access to information, making sure there are no barriers preventing someone from accessing a product or service, ensuring accessibility features are included in the design of websites or products, and making sure that any communication is tailored to all users. Inclusive design considers not only physical disabilities but also learning styles, language preferences and cultural backgrounds when designing for the user experience. It is about understanding that everyone has different needs and preferences and working to create solutions which meet those needs.

Words or phrases that do not dismiss, discriminate, or exclude anyone, particularly people from any equity-deserving group. 

An umbrella term used to refer to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada. 

The act of imposing a specific set of beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviours on an individual or group. It is usually accomplished through repetition and reinforcement of ideas over time. Indoctrination is often used as an educational tool to teach individuals to think and act in accordance with a particular ideology or belief system. It can also be used for purposes such as political control, religious conversion, or personal enrichment. In some cases, it may involve coercion or manipulation by the indoctrinator in order to bring about a desired result. Ultimately, indoctrination works by creating a mental framework that allows people to make decisions based on predetermined parameters instead of truly being able to think for themselves. 

Intent is what an individual meant to do, and the impact is its effect on the other person. Although we may have the best intentions, we can still inadvertently cause someone harm, so it is vital to acknowledge the impact of your actions or words and commit to changing your behaviour moving forward.

A form of psychological distress that occurs when an individual of diverse sexual orientation experiences feelings of shame, fear or self-hatred due to the social stigma associated with that orientation. This internalization of societal norms can lead to a range of stressors such as clinical depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, social isolation, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, internalized homophobia can manifest itself as prejudice towards one's own sexuality, which can cause individuals to feel out of touch with their own bodies and life experiences. Individuals with diverse orientations who experience internalized homophobia often feel guilty for authentically expressing themselves in public or private settings.

An inclusive and intersectional form of feminist theory that recognizes the diversity of experience and offers a comprehensive view of gender-based oppression. It considers multiple identities, such as race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability/disability status, language ability, religion and more. Intersectional feminism recognizes that these different identities can all interact to create unique experiences of discrimination and thus must be addressed in order for true equity to be achieved. This doctrine acknowledges that all oppressions are connected, and calls on feminists to challenge not just sexism but also racism, homophobia, ableism and other forms of oppression which intersect with gender. The ultimate goal of intersectional feminism is to achieve complete equality for everyone regardless of their individual characteristics.

The conscious or unconscious acceptance of the ideologies, behaviours, actions, and institutions that discriminate against racialized people.

A framework that recognizes the need to consider multiple aspects of a person's identity to understand how that person may experience oppression and privilege. Intersectionality describes how race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and other aspects of a person "intersect," combine and impact an individual's experience. For example, a Black woman and a white woman will have a different lived experience because of race, even though in terms of gender, they are the same. 

An ethnocultural group of Indigenous peoples of Canada, typically located within four primary regions: Nunavut Territory, northern Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the western Arctic.

Prejudice and discrimination against the religion of Islam or Muslims. Although it focuses explicitly on religion, in some instances, Islamophobia is connected to racist or xenophobic beliefs about people who "look" Muslim based on the colour of their skin.

Refers to the share of designated group members in the Canadian labour market.

The gender-neutral term for those who identify as Latin American. 

A woman who is primarily romantically or sexually attracted to women.

The process of excluding people, groups, or concepts and treating them as insignificant or powerless. Marginalization goes beyond social exclusion and has harmful impacts on equity-deserving communities' financial, emotional, and physical well-being by restricting access to aspects of society such as work and education.

Anyone that faces purposeful restrictions to basic rights such as work, education, or marriage.

People of both European-American and Indigenous heritage with distinct cultures separate from other Indigenous groups in Canada.

Common, everyday instances of behaviours, actions, or environmental messages that marginalize members of equity-deserving groups. They can be intentional or unintentional and happen in small, subtle ways that communicate negative biases or a lack of understanding of marginalized communities.

Intentionally or unintentionally addressing or describing someone by a pronoun or language that does not accurately acknowledge their preferred gender identity.  

An acknowledgement and respect for different cultures, religions, races, etc. It promotes the harmonious and equitable existence of all identities and communities of people. 

A term that describes and recognizes that neurological variances are natural variations in the human genome. Neurodiverse people have brains that function differently than what the dominant society considers 'normal' regarding learning, social skills, and other mental capacities.

Refers to people whose neurological development and capacities function in ways considered 'normal' by society's standards.

A person who does not identify as a man or woman or whose gender identity exists outside the gender binary.

Exclusion from a society or group (such as a family or community) through shunning and lack of interaction. Ostracism is considered an extreme punishment because it completely removes somebody from their previous social support system, which in some cases can have lasting psychological effects. In modern society, ostracism typically occurs informally and involves ignoring or avoiding an individual or denying them access to resources such as employment opportunities.

The act of disclosing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity without that person's consent. Outing a person can put them at risk of harm or discrimination and inherently violates their privacy.

A person who is attracted to everyone, regardless of their gender identity or gender expression.

The ability of a person to be regarded as a member of an identity group that is different from their own. Passing may be used to increase social acceptance to cope with stigma. Additionally, it can serve as a form of self-preservation or self-protection in instances where expressing one's true or prior identity may be dangerous.

The social system of norms, values and ideologies that privilege men and support the idea that men are more powerful and superior to other genders. In patriarchal societies, men tend to hold most positions of power in areas such as politics, religion, and industry.

Providing the same financial compensation for employees who complete the same tasks or have the same responsibilities while also considering experience level, performance, and tenure with the organization.

Another term for racialized people or racialized groups. Typically, a person of colour is a racial identity other than white and faces challenges because of racism. However, in many places this is an outdated term. To follow best practice, "racialized" is the most appropriate way to describe race-based identities. 

A language practice that enhances the dignity of individuals with disabilities or impairments. It focuses on putting the individual first and not defining them based on their disability alone. Some people in the disability community want to be addressed as "disabled" or as a "disabled person" as having a disability is an important aspect of their identity that they wish to emphasize.

Action taken, with an audience in mind, to elicit a response or reaction. Often for an increase in social benefit, individuals will feign ties to marginalized communities through empty gestures for exploitation and personal gain. 

One's ability to think, feel, and act in a given situation; the idea that one is in control of the decisions they make. 

An umbrella term that describes persons with physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Disability is a concept that connects to medical and social understandings about ability. Historically, medical perspectives have framed disability as a set of restrictions that cause individuals to experience barriers and limitations. In contrast, social understandings recognize that our society, institutions, and environments have not been designed to be accessible to everyone.

The ability to act in a certain way and make choices that influence others.

An unjustifiable, often-times negative opinion about a person or groups based on unproven generalizations or stereotypes. While prejudice is more of a thought, it often informs and supports discrimination against marginalized groups such as racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ people, or people with disabilities.

The benefits, rights, and social advantages enjoyed by a particular person or group. 

The terms used to address an individual other than their given name. Common pronouns include they/them, he/him, and she/her. Like gender identity, pronouns are not visible; you cannot determine a person's pronouns by interpreting their appearance or name. Pronouns can be part of the way that some people express their gender identity.

Being comfortable enough to share thoughts and feelings without concerns of interpersonal risks, such as damaging one's reputation or being shamed by others.

An umbrella term used to describe a person who has a diverse gender identity or sexual orientation. Queer can also be used as a term to refer to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Historically the word was used as an insult; however, some people have reclaimed it, while others are still opposed or uncomfortable using it.

Those who are in the process of exploring or understanding their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

The system of grouping people together based on the colour of their skin or their ethnicity. While the physical characteristics of race are biological, racial identities are socially constructed. Meaning, that race is an identity created, often by people who hold power in society, to establish meaning in a social context. There are many racial groups, and a person may belong to or identify with more than one group. 

When a person's racial background is not easily identifiable because they may belong to multiple racial or ethnic backgrounds. Racial ambiguity can lead to feelings of loss of identity and invisibility in societies that are strongly divided along racial lines. It can also raise questions of how an individual identifies themselves within these predetermined categories and can present challenges when attempting to access services, representation and resources that are targeted towards specific races or ethnicities.

The use of a racialized identity as grounds for suspecting someone of having committed an offence, rather than on a reasonable suspicion, to single out an individual for greater scrutiny or different treatment.

The ways in which groups of people are categorized based on race and ascribed meaning or value, based on the ideas held by those who hold power in society. Racialization is used to include or exclude certain groups of people from power and has historically been a way that people have justified discrimination. Racialization is also part of the process that has formed the socially constructed concept of race.

The term widely preferred over descriptions such as 'racial minority,' 'visible minority,' or 'people of colour' as it expresses race as a social construct (an idea that has been created and accepted by the people in a society) rather than a description of people based on perceived characteristics. Racialized groups include people who might experience differential treatment on the basis of race, ethnicity, language, religion, or culture. Other characteristics that are commonly racialized are accent, speech, name, clothing, diet, beliefs, practices, and habits.

The dominant group's processes or systems that exploit, discriminate, or harm a specific racial group or racialized person because of their race or ethnicity. It enhances the prejudicial ideologies that some racial groups are superior to others. 

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.