Here are some useful definitions to help you to better
understand issues of diversity and equality

Ability
A person’s capacity to perform a physical or mental function.

Advocacy
The act of pleading or arguing in favor of someone or something - such as an idea or a policy.

Culture
Dynamic and integrated structures of knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, habits, customs, languages, and symbols chosen and demonstrated by the majority within a group of individuals.

Discrimination
Unequal treatment which is usually based on prejudice.

Equality
Every individual is equal before the and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, nationality or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability.

GLBTTQQ/LGBTTI/GLBTTQQIA
Acronyms vary from time to time and geographical area. GLBTTQQ stands for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-spirited, Questioning and Queer.  LGBTTI is an acronym used by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender and Intersex communities.  GLBTTQQIA is a combination of both -- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-spirited, Questioning, Queer, Intersex and Allies.

Gender
The socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women.

Heterosexism
The belief that everyone is heterosexual and that heterosexuality is the only acceptable way of being. This belief, which relies on the idea that the majority rules and is therefore normal, is often the source of homophobia.

Homophobia
The irrational fear of homosexuals, homosexuality, or any behavior, belief, or attitude of self or others, which doesn’t conform to rigid sex-role stereotypes. It is also the rejection of people considered gay or lesbian and of all things associated with them, for example, gender non-conformity. It is the fear that enforces sexism and heterosexism. The extreme behavior of homophobia is violence.

Human Rights
All individuals have the right to equality, equal opportunity, fair treatment and an environment free of discrimination.

Intersex Person
Someone who shows physical features of both sexes.

Minority
A group of people that constitutes less than a numerical majority of a population. Because of  their cultural, racial, ethnic, religious or other characteristics, such groups are often labeled and treated differently from others in society. They are usually considered to be less powerful than the dominant group.

Prejudice
Hostility or aggression directed toward individuals on the basis of their group membership.

Race
Indicates shared biological/genetic traits.

Racism
Prejudice or discrimination based on an individual's race; can be expressed individually or through institutional power and authority.

Religion
Sometimes interchangeable with faith or belief system - is commonly defined as belief concerning the supernatural, sacred or divine, and the moral codes, practices and institutions associated with such belief.

Sexuality
Part of a person’s values, attitudes, behaviors, physical appearance, beliefs, emotions, personality, likes and dislikes, and spiritual selves, as well as all the ways in which one has been socialized.

Socio-economic Status
This is characterized by the economic, social, and physical environments in which individuals live and work, as well as demographic and genetic factors.

Stereotyping
The belief that all people within the same racial, ethnic, or cultural group will act alike and share the same beliefs and attitudes. Stereotypes ignore individual identity.

Systemic Discrimination
A form of discrimination that occurs when policies, practices or procedures, which appear neutral, have a discriminatory affect on a person or class of persons.

Transphobia
A negative attitude or feeling, discomfort or an aversion towards transgender people, transsexuals or people who are transitioning.

Transgender Person
Someone who perceives themselves and identifies as belonging to a different sex and who feels the need to live that way. In contrast to a transsexual person, the transgender person refuses gender reassignment or a sex change. Also a transgender person is someone who does not conform to the norm inposed by male and femal gender identities; some people consider themselves to be gender-fluid.

Transsexual Person
A person who has already changed their sex physically or a person who is making that transition through medical treatment or surgery. This transformation is usually irreversible.

Two-Spirited
Someone who, according to Aboriginal tradition has two spirits, one female and one male.