Insights

Keywords: Defining identity

**Lookbook imagery from Maromas Londres. Photograph: Courtesy of Thomas Harvey.**

Written by
Camille Fontaine Published date
31 October 2018

Identity can be a very hard topic to discuss, especially as we don’t tend to consciously think about what makes us who we are. Camille helps introduce some keywords that can be used in ideas of identity and normality.

The concept of identity is an ever-changing landscape. The words we use to describe ourselves – and those around us – are heavily influenced by society as we know it. One of the key themes within identity that is almost invisible to us, is the idea of normality. What is it to be normal? What are the things about you that define what normal is to you?

To help get your ideas flowing, here are a few words that you may come across when looking at the themes of identity and how we talk about ideas of normality.

Non-normative

a studio shot of two pacifiers, one pink and one blue — **Dreamstime.com, Photograph: Francisco Turnes**

Something described as non-normative usually goes against what is considered to be normal. For example, a non-normative approach to dressing children could be boys only wearing pink and girls only wearing blue. Next time you find yourself in the toys and clothes department for babies or children, pay attention to the colours that are assigned for these two genders to suggest normal gender identity.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

Gender identities refer to how an individual sees themselves in relation to their gender. They may be male, female or non-binary (this word is defined later on). Gender identities also expand to cis and trans, to be inclusive of those who identify as either the gender they or born into or not. What is important to note, is that gender identities and sexual orientations are NOT the same thing. Some of the key words that you may be familiar with can be found below:

Cisgender

Someone who identifies with the gender that they were assigned at birth.

Heteronormative

The belief that male and female gender identities and heterosexual attractions to one another are considered the ‘norm’.

Heterosexual

Being attracted to the opposite gender.

LGBTQ+

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning. The ‘+’ communicates that the community expands to other gender and sexual identities. This acronym highlights and represents those who do not identify with either heteronormative or cisgender identities. The LGBTQ+ acronym may also be seen as:

LGBTI (I = Intersex)
LGBTQIAPD (A = Asexual, P = Polysexual and D = Demisexual)
LGBTTQQIAAP (the second T = Transsexual, two separate Q’s for Queer and Questioning, and a second A = Ally).

Intersections / Intersectionality

a diverse group of people standing in front of a projected image — **Photograph: Roxana Crusemire on Unsplash**

A theory and term created by Kimberley Crenshaw in 1989 which expresses the varied elements that make up a person. E.g. Age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, social class etc. Think about the different intersections that shape your identity.

Binary / Non-Binary

a poster indicating that everybody is welcome in this certain establishment — **Photograph: Brittani Burns on Unsplash**

Binary can be used in relation to a few areas of identity. With regards to gender, it’s used to describe either being male or female. Non-binary genders are those who do not feel that either male or female assignments expresses who they are. Another term which expresses this is third-gender. Binary with regards to race/ ethnicity, is suggestive of a relationship where ‘whiteness’ is considered the dominant racial group of society, with ‘blackness’ as its immediate opposite or ‘other’. Non-binary discussions around race/ ethnicity embrace ideas surrounding all racial and ethnic groups beyond the black/ white binary.

Equality

The fair treatment of all. The Equality Act (2010) stops employers, service providers and providers of education from discriminating against, harassing or victimising individuals with protected characteristics. Protected characteristics are; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.