#WriteInclusion Factsheets
Expanded glossary of terms
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Genderqueer
A person who blurs and/or rejects the boundaries of the man/woman gender binary – seeing themselves as both man and woman, neither, or outside of these categories. Genderqueer people often, though not always, have a queer sexual orientation as well. For more.
A person who blurs and/or rejects the boundaries of the man/woman gender binary – seeing themselves as both man and woman, neither, or outside of these categories. Genderqueer people often, though not always, have a queer sexual orientation as well. For more.
Generational Trauma
The long-term psychological effects of trauma (both personal and communal) that can be passed down through generations of families and cultures. Beyond psychological, these generational effects are also familial, social, cultural, neurobiological, and possibly even genetic.
The long-term psychological effects of trauma (both personal and communal) that can be passed down through generations of families and cultures. Beyond psychological, these generational effects are also familial, social, cultural, neurobiological, and possibly even genetic.
Ghetto
A racist and classist term for poor Black neighborhoods. It ignores the role of government policy in creating blight and suggests there’s no way to correct it.
A racist and classist term for poor Black neighborhoods. It ignores the role of government policy in creating blight and suggests there’s no way to correct it.
G.I. Bill
The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill, was a law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans (commonly referred to as G.I.s). The original G.I. Bill expired in 1956, but the term "G.I. Bill" is still used to refer to programs created to assist some of the U.S. military veterans. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 further expanded benefits, providing veterans with funding for the full cost of any public college in their state. The G.I. Bill was also modified through the passage of the Forever G.I. Bill in 2017 and is housed within the VA Benefits department, one of three departments within the VA.
The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill, was a law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans (commonly referred to as G.I.s). The original G.I. Bill expired in 1956, but the term "G.I. Bill" is still used to refer to programs created to assist some of the U.S. military veterans. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 further expanded benefits, providing veterans with funding for the full cost of any public college in their state. The G.I. Bill was also modified through the passage of the Forever G.I. Bill in 2017 and is housed within the VA Benefits department, one of three departments within the VA.
Graysexual (Gray-A)
A catch-all term for someone who identifies somewhere on the asexual spectrum or between “sexual” and “asexual” (i.e., in the “gray area”). Note: Sometimes spelled “greysexual.” More on the graysexual spectrum here.
A catch-all term for someone who identifies somewhere on the asexual spectrum or between “sexual” and “asexual” (i.e., in the “gray area”). Note: Sometimes spelled “greysexual.” More on the graysexual spectrum here.
Group Home
A group home is a congregate residence intended to serve as an alternative to a family foster home. Group homes are licensed and staffed to provide care for several children at the same time. Many states have phased out the use of group homes due to their poor conditions, higher rates of abuse, increased isolation, and worse outcomes for youth living in them compared to those placed in family foster homes. Also called a short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP). For more.
Guardianship
A legal term that denotes when someone is appointed by a court to be the legal guardian of a minor. More information on guardianship and how it relates to foster care and adoption here.
Hapa
In the Hawaiian language, a word that means “half” or “part.” Among Hawaiians, the term is used to refer to someone who is of mixed ethnic heritage. There is some debate around who gets to use this word and how it’s used, which you can read more about here.
In the Hawaiian language, a word that means “half” or “part.” Among Hawaiians, the term is used to refer to someone who is of mixed ethnic heritage. There is some debate around who gets to use this word and how it’s used, which you can read more about here.
Hawaii vs. Hawai’i
In English, “Hawaii” refers to the U.S. state, and “Hawai’i” refers to the largest island within the state. However, in the Hawaiian language, the spelling of the state is “Hawai’i,” a spelling that should be used to honor Native Hawaiians. Because of the Hawaiian Statehood Act of 1959, which used “Hawaii,” the spelling of the state in English cannot officially be changed without an Act of Congress. (Note: “Hawaiian” is always spelled without the ‘okina.)
In English, “Hawaii” refers to the U.S. state, and “Hawai’i” refers to the largest island within the state. However, in the Hawaiian language, the spelling of the state is “Hawai’i,” a spelling that should be used to honor Native Hawaiians. Because of the Hawaiian Statehood Act of 1959, which used “Hawaii,” the spelling of the state in English cannot officially be changed without an Act of Congress. (Note: “Hawaiian” is always spelled without the ‘okina.)
Healthcare Disparities (For Veterans)
In 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated its Health Equity Action Plan to eliminate disparities for veterans. Goals include strengthening leadership to address disparities; increasing awareness of the significance of health disparities; improving racial and ethnic data availability and health care outcomes; and increasing health-related workforce diversity. But the VA has a long way to go. See here.
In 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) updated its Health Equity Action Plan to eliminate disparities for veterans. Goals include strengthening leadership to address disparities; increasing awareness of the significance of health disparities; improving racial and ethnic data availability and health care outcomes; and increasing health-related workforce diversity. But the VA has a long way to go. See here.
Heteronormativity
The inaccurate belief that heterosexuality is the default, natural, or normal expression of sexuality. It upholds the false gender binary consisting of two distinct, opposite genders and the notion that sexual and marital relationships should be between people of “opposite” sexes (i.e., a man and a woman who conform to rigid notions of gender, sexuality, and gender roles).
The inaccurate belief that heterosexuality is the default, natural, or normal expression of sexuality. It upholds the false gender binary consisting of two distinct, opposite genders and the notion that sexual and marital relationships should be between people of “opposite” sexes (i.e., a man and a woman who conform to rigid notions of gender, sexuality, and gender roles).
Hijab/Hijabi
Hijab is a head covering or headscarf (in some communities called “khimar”) worn in public by some Muslim woman. A Hijabi is a woman who wears a hijab. Muslim women are legally mandated to wear hijabs only in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Indonesian province of Aceh.
Hijab is a head covering or headscarf (in some communities called “khimar”) worn in public by some Muslim woman. A Hijabi is a woman who wears a hijab. Muslim women are legally mandated to wear hijabs only in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Indonesian province of Aceh.
Hijra
Officially recognized as a “third gender” in South Asia, Hijra are considered neither male nor female. Traditionally, they were considered divine demi-gods, but colonizers from Islamic and Christian countries have caused them to be marginalized and even criminalized. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women, trans men, or non-binary in order for their gender to be legible to others. There are also transgender men and women in South Asia who do not consider themselves Hijra. For more.
Officially recognized as a “third gender” in South Asia, Hijra are considered neither male nor female. Traditionally, they were considered divine demi-gods, but colonizers from Islamic and Christian countries have caused them to be marginalized and even criminalized. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women, trans men, or non-binary in order for their gender to be legible to others. There are also transgender men and women in South Asia who do not consider themselves Hijra. For more.
Hindu / Hinduism / Hindi
A Hindu is a subscriber to Hinduism, which is one of the world’s oldest religions originating in India and comprising religious, cultural, and philosophical concepts such as Karma, Dharma, and reincarnation. Hinduism is the world’s 3rd-largest organized religion after Islam and Christianity, and India’s most practiced religion. Hinduism’s fundamental teaching, or Vedanta, is that a human being's basic nature isn’t confined to the body or mind. Beyond both is the spirit or the spark of God within the soul. For more. Hindi is the language spoken by 45% of India.
A Hindu is a subscriber to Hinduism, which is one of the world’s oldest religions originating in India and comprising religious, cultural, and philosophical concepts such as Karma, Dharma, and reincarnation. Hinduism is the world’s 3rd-largest organized religion after Islam and Christianity, and India’s most practiced religion. Hinduism’s fundamental teaching, or Vedanta, is that a human being's basic nature isn’t confined to the body or mind. Beyond both is the spirit or the spark of God within the soul. For more. Hindi is the language spoken by 45% of India.
Hispanic vs. Spanish
“Hispanic” refers to a person of linguistic Spanish origin or descent and, though technically different, “Hispanic” and “Latinx” are now often used interchangeably, especially by the U.S. government. “Spanish” applies only to those from Spain and is often used incorrectly to describe Latinx people. Avoid this, given the European colonization of Indigenous and Afro Latinx peoples.
“Hispanic” refers to a person of linguistic Spanish origin or descent and, though technically different, “Hispanic” and “Latinx” are now often used interchangeably, especially by the U.S. government. “Spanish” applies only to those from Spain and is often used incorrectly to describe Latinx people. Avoid this, given the European colonization of Indigenous and Afro Latinx peoples.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and weakens its defense against many infections and some types of cancer. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition. There is no effective cure for HIV, but treatments such as ART, PrEP, and PEP can suppress a person’s viral load until it’s undetectable and untransmittable, allowing for long, healthy lives and safe sexual intercourse. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately affected queer people in the U.S. with gay and bi+ men making up 70% of all new infections in 2019. For more.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and weakens its defense against many infections and some types of cancer. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition. There is no effective cure for HIV, but treatments such as ART, PrEP, and PEP can suppress a person’s viral load until it’s undetectable and untransmittable, allowing for long, healthy lives and safe sexual intercourse. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately affected queer people in the U.S. with gay and bi+ men making up 70% of all new infections in 2019. For more.
Hong Kong
Considered a special administrative region of China but previously considered a British colony until 1997. The relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China is quite complex, including differences in government and politics (e.g., Hong Kong’s limited democracy vs. China’s communism).
Considered a special administrative region of China but previously considered a British colony until 1997. The relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China is quite complex, including differences in government and politics (e.g., Hong Kong’s limited democracy vs. China’s communism).
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The use of hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) in medical treatment. For trans people, HRT is an empowering way to medically transition by bringing their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. Documented benefits of HRT include improved mental health, physical wellness, and reduced gender dysphoria for trans people. Many intersex people also use HRT to balance the naturally occurring levels of hormones in their bodies.
The use of hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) in medical treatment. For trans people, HRT is an empowering way to medically transition by bringing their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. Documented benefits of HRT include improved mental health, physical wellness, and reduced gender dysphoria for trans people. Many intersex people also use HRT to balance the naturally occurring levels of hormones in their bodies.
Identity
An intrinsic, embodied part of who someone is (e.g., race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability), not to be confused with the various experiences, ideologies, and preferences they identify with (e.g., careers, politics, hobbies). Identity shapes our everyday life, psychology, culture, relationships, behavior, and shared history. Identity is deeply personal and language used to describe it is ever-evolving. We must be open to new language as understanding shifts; it’s vital to use the terms, names, and pronouns others use for themselves. Note: Avoid the phrasing “identify as” (e.g. “she is a woman” instead of “she identifies as a woman”; “they are non-binary” vs “they identify as non-binary”).
An intrinsic, embodied part of who someone is (e.g., race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability), not to be confused with the various experiences, ideologies, and preferences they identify with (e.g., careers, politics, hobbies). Identity shapes our everyday life, psychology, culture, relationships, behavior, and shared history. Identity is deeply personal and language used to describe it is ever-evolving. We must be open to new language as understanding shifts; it’s vital to use the terms, names, and pronouns others use for themselves. Note: Avoid the phrasing “identify as” (e.g. “she is a woman” instead of “she identifies as a woman”; “they are non-binary” vs “they identify as non-binary”).