Glossary of Terms
Language is a powerful tool for communication and transformation. Here are some of the words and phrases we currently use (and don't use) as a community. We recognize that language is ever evolving and we will update this document as we continue to learn and unlearn.
Our definitions have been adapted from the Canada Council for Arts, Addressing Racism Working Glossary, and Intersectionality 101.
Equity-deserving genders
People who identify as genders that experience barriers to engaging with society due to the marginalizaitional of intersecting systems of oppression including attitudinal, historic, social and environmental barriers based on age, ethnicity, disability, economic status, gender, nationality, race, sexual orientation and transgender status, etc. (Definition adapted from the Canada Council for Arts)
Intersecting systems of oppression
The understanding that the combined systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, ableism, classism, etc. intersect to make certain groups more vunerable because of the cumulative effects of oppression they face.
Intersectional feminist lens
The term ‘intersectionality’ was coined by Dr Kimberlé Crenshaw. An intersectional feminist lens takes into account the intersections that include: sex, gender, race, class, sexuality, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, etc. Together, these intersections may combine to create unique modes of discrimination or privilege that must be considered when viewing any topic.
Anti-oppressive
A framework of actively working to dismantle the systemic and individual levels of oppression (such as colonialism, sexism, racism, transphobia, homophobia, classism, ableism, etc.) that create inequity.
Anti-racist
To actively oppose racism by supporting policies and initiatives that advocate for systemic change and dismantling those that perpetuate racism.
Anti-colonial
To oppose systemic power structures that uphold racism and oppress the human rights of peoples oppressed by colonialism while advocating for systems change by supporting and implementing policies and programs that centre decolonization and reconciliation.
Anti-neo-liberal
To reject the neo-liberal idea that economic control should be within the private sector instead of the public. To actively oppose policies the enhance free market capitalism.
SOGI education affirmative
To support the implementation of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity coursework/learnings in schools in order to increase awareness of and reduce the discrimination of all genders and sexual orientations.