A microaggression is a subtle form of discrimination, expressed in normalised ways, that degrades members of marginalized groups. Examples of microaggressions against people in the LGBTQIAP community: saying things like ‘that’s so gay’,’no homo’, or asking a homosexual or queer couple who the “man” in their relationship is. Examples of microaggressions against people of colour: […]

Gaslighting refers to the act of making someone doubt their own memory, perceptions or sanity, and is often seen as a form of emotional and psychological abuse. Gaslighting is often used to convince oppressed people that their experiences are not real. Consider how people are told they’re overreacting, crazy or sensitive when they express their […]

Transmisogyny – a noun which refers to a combination of misogyny and transphobia that specifically affects trans women. The term was coined by Julia Serano in her book, Whipping Girl. *trigger warning: examples of transmisogyny to follow* There are a number of ways in which transmisogyny manifests. Trans women (especially black, poor trans women) are […]

Amatonormativity is the assumption that a central, exclusive, amorous relationship is normal for humans, in that it is a universally shared goal, and that such a relationship is normative, in the sense that it should be aimed at in preference to other relationship types. Amatonormativity is problematic because it marginalizes people who are aromantic and […]