Cultural Information Index

Accountability: In the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion work, accountability refers to how individuals and communities hold themselves to their goals and actions, and how they acknowledge the values and groups to which they are responsible. Accountability in the context of cultural sensitivity also includes acknowledging when one has behaved in an oppressive manner (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Acculturation:  Cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture (Merriam-Webster, 2021).

Ally / Allyship: Someone who makes an active commitment and effort to recognize their privilege (based on gender, class, race, sexual identity, etc.) and works in solidarity with oppressed groups in the struggle for justice. Although the definition varies, allyship is typically not a self-defined identity but one that is given to an individual who is recognized by oppressed individuals or groups for their work (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Assimilation:  The process whereby individuals or groups of differing ethnic heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society. This process involves taking on the traits of the dominant culture to such a degree that the assimilating group may retain very few of the characteristics of their culture of origin.  In the United States, many Indigenous people were forced to assimilate to white American culture in boarding schools.  Moreover, currently there is often a relationship between immigrants’ level of assimilation and the resources which they are able to access in American society (Pauls, 2019).

Code-Switching:  Adjusting one’s style of speech, appearance, behavior, and expression in ways that will optimize the comfort of others, to adapt to different sociocultural norms and/or to avoid prejudice or discrimination. Code-switching is also something very commonly done by multilingual people when switching between languages, i.e., changing dialects or accents (McCluney et al., 2019).

Cultural Appropriation: The theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic standards, and behavior from one culture or subculture by another. This “appropriation” often occurs without any real understanding of why the original culture took part in these activities, often bringing culturally significant artifacts, practices, and beliefs into pop culture or giving them a significance that is completely different/less nuanced than their original meaning. Cultural appropriation often reinforces stereotypes regarding identity groups (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Cultural Sensitivity:  Being aware of and accepting of differences across individuals due to background, identities, and life experience. It implies that one withholds judgment of cross-cultural practices, and is respectful with regard to differences between the self and others (Sieck, 2020).

Culture: A social system of meaning and custom that is developed by a group of people to ensure its adaptation and survival. Cultural groups are distinguished by a set of unspoken rules that shape values, beliefs, habits, patterns of thinking, behaviors, and styles of communication (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Culture Shock:  Refers to feelings of uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety that people experience when they are transplanted into a society that's different from their own. Culture shock sets in when people move to another city or country, but can also occur when individuals move to attend a new school or work in a new business. The experience of culture shock arises from an individual's unfamiliarity with local customs, language, and acceptable behavior (Segal, 2019).  

Discrimination: A term used to describe the unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on race, gender, social class, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental abilities, and additional categories that may result in differences (ONGIG, 2021).

Diversity: Includes how people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender, but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance.  It also involves different ideas, perspectives, and values (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Equality: Concept which argues that every individual should have an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. It is also the belief that no one should have less favorable life chances because of the way they were born, where they come from, what they believe, or whether they have a disability. Equality-oriented change efforts recognize that certain groups of people, due to their race, sex, disability, and/or sexual orientation, have historically experienced discrimination (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2018).

Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that social justice efforts are often needed to remedy previous unequal opportunities (University of Washington, 2021).

Feminism: The belief that all individuals, regardless of gender, should have equal rights, protections, and opportunities. It relates to respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths, and striving to empower all women to realize their full rights. It is ensuring that diverse women and girls have the same opportunities in life that are available to boys and men (International Women's Development Agency, 2021).

Gaslighting: Refers to a specific type of manipulation where the manipulator is trying to get an individual or a group to question their own reality, memory or perceptions, such as, “You’re just being overly sensitive”, or “Oh come on, I never said that” (NBC News, 2018).

Genocide: Violence against members of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group with the intent to destroy the entire group. The word came into general usage only after World War II, when the full extent of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime against European Jews during that conflict became known. In 1948, the United Nations declared genocide to be an international crime (History.com Editors, 2018).

Gentrification:  A process where wealthy, highly-educated individuals begin to move into low-income communities, often originally occupied by communities of color. Rising costs of living and a changing community culture can result in challenges for longtime residents. These changes may drive out people of color and minority-owned businesses (National Geographic Society, 2019).

Glass Ceiling:  An invisible upper limit in corporations and other organizations, above which it is difficult or impossible for women and individuals from racial minority groups to rise in the ranks (Lewis, 2019).

Hate Crime:  An action that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s biases against a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender identity. This is a criminal offense according to United States law (Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.)

Identity-First Language:  A type of language born from the disability pride movement which emphasizes the unique characteristics of a person while still recognizing their personhood. Rather than defining individuals primarily as people, identity-first language prioritizes naming the disability (e.g., a blind person) in order to support the idea that disabilities are not something to be ashamed of (National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, 2020).

Identity Group:  A social group of which one is a member. Membership in a social identity group (e.g., Blacks, honor students, lacrosse players) can contribute to personal feelings of belonging, assistance toward others in the identity group, and also prejudice and discrimination toward individuals who are not in the same identity group (iresearchnet.com, n.d.).

Implicit Bias:  An unconscious association, belief, or attitude toward any social group. Implicit biases occur due to humans’ cognitive tendency to categorize. However, implicit biases often contribute to stereotyping (Cherry, 2020).

Inclusion: A term used to refer to the process of bringing people that are traditionally excluded into decision-making processes, activities, or positions of power. Inclusion, also called inclusiveness, allows individuals or groups to feel safe, respected, motivated, and engaged (ONGIG, 2021).

Intersectional / Intersectionality: An approach arguing that classifications such as gender, race, class, and others cannot be examined in isolation from one another; they interact and intersect in individuals’ lives, in society, in social systems, and are mutually constitutive. Recognizing one’s various identities can help clarify how a person can simultaneously experience privilege and oppression (Pacific University Oregon, 2021).

Linguistic Diversity:  Refers to the many ways in which language use can differ within and across countries and cultural groups, including the use of different words for the same concept, differences in grammar across languages, and differences in pronunciation (Comrie, 2021).

Meritocracy:  A social system in which success and social status depend primarily on individual talents, abilities, and effort. In the United States, the concept of “myth of meritocracy” relates to evidence that there are structural inequalities and systems of oppression designed to limit opportunities based on class, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, and other social identities, regardless of the person’s talents and efforts (Crossman, 2019).

Microaggression(s): A statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination, prejudice, or stereotypes against members of a marginalized group (e.g., race, gender, sexual/romantic orientation). Even if it is unintentional, microaggression can still cause considerable discomfort to people in underrepresented groups.  Microaggressions are defined from the perspective of the individual experiencing them, not by the perpetrator, and focuses on the impact of the words or behavior, rather than the intent (Quinsigamond Community College, 2021).

Microinsult(s):  Communications that convey rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person’s heritage or identity. Microinsults represent subtle snubs, frequently unconscious to the perpetrator, but clearly conveying a hidden insulting message to the recipient from a marginalized group. An example of a microinsult is asking a person of color if they are part of the cleaning staff at an upscale hotel (The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2021).

Microinvalidation(s): Communications that exclude, negate, or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality of a person from a marginalized group. An example of microinvalidation is saying, “You are being too sensitive” to a woman who indicates that she experiences sexism in the workplace (The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2021).

Oppression:  A situation in which people are governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom. Oppression toward minority populations in the United States is pervasive, systemic, and prolonged. Oppression also may be manifested in discrimination and/or prejudice related to an individual’s identities (King, 2021; Merriam-Webster, 2021).

People-First Language:  A type of language which emphasizes the individuality, equality, and dignity of people with disabilities. Rather than defining people primarily by their disability, people-first language conveys respect by emphasizing the fact that people with disabilities are first and foremost people. This includes people with both visible and hidden disabilities (Employer Assistance and Resource Network, 2021).

Performative Allyship:  An action or set of actions that do more to show how virtuous someone is than help the cause they say they support. If the action (e.g., wearing a t-shirt, flying a flag) has a social benefit for the “ally” but does not have substantive benefit for the cause, this may be an indication of performative allyship. Also known as virtue signaling (Birth, 2020).

Politically Correct:  Referring to language that seems intended to give the least amount of offense, especially when describing marginalized social identity groups.  This term is controversial in that some individuals genuinely strive for respectful language use toward and related to people who are culturally different, while other individuals use the term to suggest over-sensitivity to the concerns of minority populations (Roper, n.d.).

Prejudice: A bias, inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment and can be rooted in stereotypes, that denies the right of individual members of certain groups to be recognized and treated as individuals with individual characteristics (University of Washington, 2021).

Privilege: Unearned social power accorded by the formal and informal institutions of society to all members of a dominant group (e.g., white privilege, male privilege). Privilege is usually invisible to those who have it because they are not taught to see it, but it nevertheless puts them at an advantage over those who do not have it. It is important to note that an individual may have privilege related to one or more identities but lack privilege in others (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Scapegoating: The action of blaming a marginalized individual or group for something when, in reality, that person or group is not responsible. Scapegoating targets another person or group as responsible for problems in society (Pacific University Oregon, 2021).

Sexual Consent: Agreement or permission expressed through affirmative, voluntary words or actions that are mutually understandable to all parties involved, to engage in a specific sexual act at a specific time. This agreement or permission can also be withdrawn at any time for any reason (Indiana University, 2021).

Stereotypes: Blanket beliefs and expectations about members of certain groups that present an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment. They are typically negative, based on little information, and highly generalized (Pacific University Oregon, 2021).

Tokenism: Involves the symbolic involvement of a person in an organization due only to a specified or salient characteristic (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, disability, age). It refers to a policy or practice of limited inclusion of members of a minority, underrepresented, or disadvantaged group. The presence of people placed in the role of token often leads to an outward, though misleading, the appearance of inclusive practices (iresearchnet.com, n.d.).

Veteran:  A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, according to the United States Code of Federal Regulations (VA.org, n.d.).

Birthright Citizenship: The legal concept that any individual born within the territory of a country is entitled to citizenship in that country (Bipartisan Policy Center, 2021).

DACA: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a type of administrative relief from deportation. The purpose of DACA is to protect from deportation eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children (Washington University in St. Louis, 2021). 

Deportation: Defined in the United States as the formal removal of any person not born in the United States for violating immigration law, including remaining in the United States when one’s visa has expired or crossing into the United States from another country illegally (USAGov, 2021).

DREAMer: In the last few years, the term “DREAMer” has been used to describe young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, who have lived and gone to school here, and who in many cases identify as American (Anti-Defamation League, 2019).

Emigrant: An individual who leaves their country in order to live permanently in another country (Cambridge University Press, 2021).

Immigrant: A person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently (Cambridge University Press, 2021).

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Conducts enforcement and removal operations pertaining to immigration violations, under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as investigating crimes that involve the crossing of the U.S. border (Bipartisan Policy Center, 2021).

International Student:  An individual who is enrolled for credit at an accredited higher education institution in the U.S. on a temporary visa, and who is not an immigrant (permanent resident with an I-51 or Green Card), an undocumented immigrant, or a refugee (William Paterson University, n.d.).

Naturalization: The process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, 2020).

Refugee: Someone who has been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This term is often used interchangeably with asylum seeker, which refers to an individual seeking safety in another country (USA for UNCHR, 2021).

Undocumented Worker: In the United States, an undocumented worker or undocumented immigrant is a foreign-born person who is not a permanent resident and is not a U.S. citizen. "Undocumented immigrant" may refer to a person whose immigration status is not resolved. Due to the unresolved status, the worker does not have permission to work in the United States (Workplace Fairness, n.d.).

Ableism: The discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require “fixing”and defines people by their disability (Eisenmenger, 2019).

Ageism: The stereotyping and discrimination against individuals or groups on the basis of their age. Ageism can take many forms, including prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory practices, or institutional policies and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs (World Health Organization, 2020). 

Anti-Asian:  Hostility toward the people or cultures of Asia, including individuals who identify as Asian American and Pacific Islanders. There is a long history of Anti-Asian prejudice, discrimination, and violence in the United States, but the number of documented incidents has increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (Zhou, 2021).

Anti-Black: The name of the specific kind of racial prejudice directed towards Black people. Anti-Blackness devalues Blackness, while systematically marginalizing Black people (Gamblin, 2020).

Anti‐Semitism:  Beliefs or behaviors hostile toward people who are Jewish just because they are Jewish. It may take the form of religious teachings that proclaim the inferiority of Jews, or political or personal efforts to isolate, oppress, or otherwise injure them. Anti-Semitism also includes prejudiced or stereotyped views about Jews (Anti-Defamation League, 2021).

Classism: The institutional, cultural and individual set of practices and beliefs that assign differential value to people according to their socioeconomic class; this results from an economic system that creates excessive inequality and causes basic human needs to go unmet (National Conference for Community and Justice, 2021).

Colorism / Shadeism: A practice of prejudice or discrimination within communities of color by which those with lighter skin are treated more favorably than those with darker skin. This practice is a product of racism in the United States, in that it upholds the white standards of beauty, and benefits white people in institutions of oppression such as the media and medical field (National Conference for Community and Justice, 2021).

Deadnaming: The act of using one’s birth name, both intentionally or unintentionally, when an individual no longer identifies with their birth name. Deadnaming is often used as a form of oppression against individuals of the transgender community (Lakshmi, 2020; Snider, 2021). 

Environmental Racism: The concept that members of certain groups are deliberately located in less‐desirable geographic areas or that undesirable business activities are deliberately located in range of or within neighborhoods of certain groups, particularly racial minorities and the urban poor (Quinsigamond Community College, n.d.).

Ethnocentrism: The belief that the people, customs, and traditions of one's own race or country are better than that of other races or countries (Cambridge University Press, 2021). 

Heterosexism: The assumption that heterosexuality is the social and cultural norm as well as the prejudiced belief that heterosexuals, or “straight” people, are socially and culturally superior to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, and queer (i.e., LGBTQ spectrum) people (Rainbow Resource Centre, 2012).

Homophobia: Culturally-produced fear of or prejudice against gay and lesbian individuals that sometimes manifests itself in legal restrictions or, in extreme cases, harassment or even violence against individuals who identify as gay or lesbian. Homophobia can also be associated with stereotyping, such as seeing gay men as individuals likely to have HIV/AIDS. Homophobia is sometimes referred to as “gay-bashing” (Anderson, n.d.).

Internalized Homophobia: Refers to people who are homophobic while also experiencing same-sex attraction themselves. This may mean that they feel discomfort and disapproval with their own same-sex attractions, never accept their same-sex attractions, or never identify as anything other than straight. This term can also refer to homophobia that exists within the LGBTQ spectrum community toward the self, or toward other subgroups within the community (Planned Parenthood, 2021). 

Institutional Racism / Systemic Racism: The ways in which institutional policies and practices create different outcomes for different racial groups. The institutional policies may never mention any racial group, but their effect is to create advantages for white people, as well as to cause oppression and disadvantages for people from groups classified as people of color (Racial Equity Tools, 2020). 

Internalized Racism: The situation that occurs in a racist system when a group oppressed by racism comes to believe in the supremacy and dominance of the majority group, by maintaining or participating in the set of attitudes, behaviors, social structures, and ideologies which make up the dominating group’s power (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Linguistic Prejudice: A form of prejudice in which people hold implicit biases about others based on the way they speak. While the majority of Americans speak English, the English language exhibits substantial variation across different communities, generations, and ethnic groups (Yale University, 2021). 

Mansplaining:  Refers to situations where a person (typically a male-identifying person) explains something to someone else (typically a female-identifying person), often in a condescending way, without consideration of the fact that the person spoken to is more experienced with the subject. The word is a mix of “man” and “explain" (Coccimiglio, 2015).

Misgendering: An act that most often affects people who identify within the transgender spectrum.  It is the act of using an incorrect pronoun or term for the person, thus invalidating their identity, and by extension, their humanity (Lakshmi, 2020).

Misogyny: An extreme form of sexism that is often defined as the hatred of women. A person with misogynistic beliefs may not be aware that they are demonstrating a hatred towards women, or even believe that they hate women, but their behavior and words expose prejudice, disdain of, or hostility toward women (Blackburn Center, 2019).

Nativism: The political idea that people who were born in a country are more important than immigrants' i.e., people who have come to live in the country from another part of the world (Cambridge University Press, 2021).

Outing: The act of sharing or disclosing someone else’s LGBTQ spectrum status (i.e., their sexual orientation or gender identity) without that person’s permission (teensource.org, n.d.).

Racial Colorblindness: The belief that we do not see people for their color or race, but instead we see people as all the same. Although this belief is widely held by well-intentioned people, racial colorblindness oppresses people of color. When an individual fails to see color, they fail to acknowledge the systems of injustice that non-white people experience (Perez-Isiah, 2018).

Racism:  Racism involves one group having the social power, relative to another racial group or groups, to carry out systemic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of the society, and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices (dRworksBook, 2021).

Rape: The term is often used as a legal definition to specifically include sexual penetration without consent. For its Uniform Crime Reports, the FBI defines rape as penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the survivor.  It is important to note that definitions of rape may vary on federal, state, and local levels (RAINN, 2021).

Rape Culture: An environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence is tolerated, normalized, and excused. Rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of individuals who are female-identifying, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards the rights and safety of women and girls, as well as other marginalized groups (Marshall University, 2021).

Religious Prejudice / Discrimination: When a person is viewed or treated aversely because of their religion or belief, or lack thereof. The treatment can be an action or a result of a rule or policy. Examples include anti-Semitism and Islamophobia (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2020).

Reverse Racism:  The claim by white people that they have been victims of racism by people of color. The idea of reverse racism is viewed by many scholars as an attempt to perpetuate white supremacy in the United States. The term is also controversial because although a person of color may treat a white person poorly, racial minority individuals and groups in the United States do not have the power to perpetuate systemic racism toward individuals who are white (Lewis, 2016).

Sex Work: The commercial exchange of sexual services, including prostitution and pornography. Sex work is viewed by some individuals as reflecting consensual sex, but by others as exploitation of vulnerable individuals including women, transgender persons, members of the LGBQ spectrum community, and people with low economic resources (Human Rights Watch, 2019).

Sexism: Any act, gesture, visual representation, spoken or written words, practice, or behavior based upon the idea that a person or a group of persons is inferior because of their sex, which occurs in the public or private sphere, whether online or offline. Sexism is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which leads to discrimination and prevents the full advancement of women in society (Global Citizen, 2019).

Sexual Assault: The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without consent of the survivor. Some forms of sexual assault include attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s or survivor’s body, also known as rape. It is important to note that definitions of sexual assault may vary on federal, state, and local levels (RAINN, 2021).

Sexual Force / Coercion: Force does not always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a survivor into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force the other person to comply, such as threatening to hurt the survivor or their family, or use of other intimidation tactics (RAINN, 2021).

Sexual Harassment: Includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace or learning environment, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sexual harassment does not always have to be specifically about sexual behavior or directed at a specific person. For example, negative comments about women as a group may be a form of sexual harassment.  It is important to note that definitions of sexual harassment may vary on federal, state, and local levels (RAINN, 2021).

Sizeism: Discrimination or prejudice based upon a person's physical size, including but not limited to height and/or weight. Fatphobia is a term sometimes used to refer to one example of sizeism (Definitions.net, n.d.).

Transphobia: Thoughts, feelings, or actions based on fear, dislike, judgment, discomfort or hatred of transgender individuals, those thought to be transgender, or those whose gender expression does not conform to traditional gender roles. Transphobia exists within the LGBTQ+ community as well.  For example, some who identify as lesbian and gay can be as transphobic as straight people (Blackburn Center, 2019).

White Supremacy: A term used to characterize various belief systems central to which are one or more of the following key tenets: 1) white people should have dominance over people of other backgrounds, especially where they may co-exist; 2) white people should live by themselves in a whites-only society; 3) white people have their own "culture" that is superior to other cultures; and 4) white people are genetically superior to other people (Anti-Defamation League, 2021).

Xenophobia: Xenophobia, or fear of strangers, is a broad term that may be applied to any fear of someone who is different from the individual. Xenophobia often overlaps with forms of prejudice including racism and homophobia, but there are important distinctions. Whereas racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination are based on specific characteristics, xenophobia is usually rooted in the perception that members of the outgroup are foreign to the ingroup community (Verywell Mind, 2021).

GENERAL TERMS:

Coming Out: When a person of the LGBTQ spectrum community declares and affirms both to oneself and others one’s identity, either sexual/romantic orientation or gender.  This may be a continuous, even daily, process for individuals within the LGBTQ spectrum community (Urban Dictionary, n.d.).

Drag Queen / King: A person of any gender who emphasizes the theatrical nature of femininity (queens) or masculinity (kings) through stylized performances. While some drag queens/kings are cisgender (non-trans) gay men and lesbians, drag has historically also been a space for trans people as well (Halberstam, 1988; Snider, 2021). 

Gender Inclusive Pronouns: A gender-neutral or gender-inclusive pronoun is a pronoun that does not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed. People who are limited by languages that do not include gender-neutral pronouns have attempted to create them, in the interest of greater equality. They/Them/Their are the most common gender-inclusive pronouns in the English language. However, some individuals may prefer to refer to the self with other pronouns such as hir or ze (Colon, 2021; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, n.d.).

Queer: An umbrella term that refers to all people who identify and/or express outside of majority culture gender and sexuality norms. The word is not always preferred by individuals who identify as part of the sexual minority community, as the term was used for many decades in the twentieth century as a slur (Iovannone, 2021).

Questioning: An individual who is unsure of and/or exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

SEXUAL/ROMANTIC ORIENTATION:

Aromantic: Refers to a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others and/or has a lack of interest in romantic relationships/behavior (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

Asexual: Refers to a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others and/or a lack of interest in sexual relationships/behavior. They may or may not experience emotional, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice. People who are asexual may call themselves ace (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

Bisexual: Refers to a person who experiences sexual, romantic, and physical attraction to more than one gender, not necessarily at the same time, in the same way, or to the same degree (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

Demisexuality: Sexual orientation in which someone feels sexual attraction only to people with whom they have an emotional bond. Most individuals who are demisexual feel sexual attraction rarely compared to the general population, and some have little to no interest in sexual activity (Demisexuality Resource Center, 2015).

Gay: Used in some cultural settings to represent men who are attracted to men in a romantic, erotic, and/or emotional sense. The term also may be used as an umbrella term to refer to individuals who do not identify as heterosexual (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

Graysexuality: Describes someone who rarely experiences sexual attraction. Sometimes spelled "greysexuality" and also known as gray asexuality. Someone who is graysexual is considered to be on the asexual spectrum, meaning they are closely aligned with asexuality (Identiversity, 2021).

Lesbian: Usually refers to a woman who has a romantic and/or sexual orientation toward women (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

Pansexual / Pan: A term for people who experience attraction to members of more than one gender or regardless of gender (Iovannone, 2021).

Polyamory: Polyamory, or consensual non-monogamy, is the practice of having multiple intimate relationships, whether sexual or just romantic, with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved. Polyamory is generally not gender-specific; an individual can have multiple partners of any gender (Psychology Today, 2021).

Romantic Orientation:  Describes an individual’s romantic or emotional attraction regardless of one’s sexual orientation. Romantic attraction is also referred to as affectional orientation and may include feelings of love and being in love (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, n.d.).

Sexual Orientation: Relates to the sexual attraction that a person feels for another based on their gender identity.  As an example, people who are attracted to individuals of the same gender identity often call themselves gay or lesbian. Notably, the phrasing of “sexual preference” should not be used (Planned Parenthood, 2021).

GENDER SPECTRUM:

Agender: Refers to a person with very little to no connection to gender, no personal alignment with the concepts of either man or woman, and/or someone who sees themselves as existing without gender (Vanderbilt University, 2021).

Androgyny / Gender Bending:  The individual expresses both, or neither, of the two culturally-defined genders, and/or presents merged culturally/stereotypically feminine and masculine characteristics, or mainly neutral characteristics. The individual may or may not express dual gender identity (Western Oregon University, n.d.).

Cisgender: A term that describes persons who primarily identify with the gender they were assigned at birth (in other words, persons who do not identify within the trans identity spectrum). From the Latin prefix "cis," meaning on the same side of (Iovannone, 2021).

Gender: Identities or social categories that are generally organized around some or all of the following facets: sex assigned at birth, legal sex, physical sex (anatomy), gender identity, and gender expression (Serano, n.d.; Snider, 2021).

Gender Spectrum: Gender identity is our internal experience and naming of our gender. It can correspond to or differ from the sex a person is assigned at birth (Gender Spectrum, 2019).

Gender Dysphoria: Distress, which can range from mild to severe, caused by feelings that one’s gender identity does not align with how they are socially perceived (Iovannone, 2021).

Gender Expression: External presentation of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially-defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine (Human Rights Campaign, n.d.).

Gender Fluid(ity): Refers to change over time in a person’s gender expression or gender identity, or both. That change might be in expression, but not identity, or in identity, but not expression. Additionally both expression and identity might change together (Katz-Wise, 2020).

Gender Identity: A person's internal or psychological understanding of their gender, whether it be male, female, a blend of both, or neither. One's gender identity is not determined by their sex assigned at birth (Human Rights Campaign, n.d.; Snider, 2021).

Gender Non-Conforming / Non-Binary: An umbrella term that refers to people or identities that fall outside of the gender binary, i.e., male/female; man/woman (Serano, n.d.).

Genderqueer: An identity label used by many people who view their gender as falling outside of the male/female or man/woman binaries. It is sometimes used as an umbrella term for non-binary-identifying people (Serano, n.d.).

Gender Transition: The process by which some people strive to more closely align their internal experience of gender and identity with their gender expression, which can, but does not always, involve medical intervention or surgery (Iovannone & Snider, 2021). 

Intersex: An umbrella term that describes people who are born with sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, gonads, or genitalia, which are not typically male or female, or are a blend (Viloria, 2017).

Mx.: A gender-neutral title used for those who do not identify as being of a particular gender, or for people who simply do not want to be identified by gender (Merriam-Webster, 2021).

Neopronouns: Neopronouns are a category of new (neo) gender-neutral pronouns that are increasingly used in place of “she,” “he,” or “they” when referring to a person. Some examples include: xe/xem/xyr, ze/hir/hirs, and ey/em/eir. Neopronouns can be used by anyone, though most often they are used by transgender, non-binary, and/or gender-nonconforming individuals. When referring to pronouns, the terms “preferred” or “chosen” as descriptors should be avoided as pronouns relate to one’s gender identity, which is not a “preference” or “chosen" (UNC Greensboro, 2018).

Polygender: A gender identity which can be literally translated as “many genders.” Polygender people experience multiple gender identities, either simultaneously or varying between them. These can be male, female and/or any non-binary identities. Polygender people may also identify as multigender, non-binary and/or transgender. If a polygender person feels that their identity changes over time or depending on circumstance, they may also identify as genderfluid, which describes any person whose gender identity varies over time (Wikia.org, 2021).

QTPOC:  An acronym that stands for “queer and transgender (trans) people of color.” Sometimes the abbreviation will be written as “QPOC” if only referring to “queer people of color.”  People of color is a term sometimes used to refer to people of racial minority status, i.e., non-White in the United States.  QTPOC is a term that is usually used when discussing issues that specifically, and disproportionately, affect queer and transgender communities of color (HER Team, 2020).

Sex Assigned at Birth: Refers to the label a medical professional gives to a baby when it is born. A medical professional may say a baby is male, female, or intersex, depending on what the medical professional observes about the baby’s sex organs/genitalia (Amaze, n.d.).

Transgender: Umbrella term for people whose sense of personal or gender identity defies majority culture social norms. It is also commonly used by individuals whose gender does not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth. Sexual orientation varies and is not dependent on gender identity (Serano, n.d.).

Two-Spirited: “Two-Spirit” refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit, and is used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity. As an umbrella term, it may encompass same-sex attraction and a wide variety of gender variance, including people who might be described in Western culture as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, genderqueer, or those who have multiple gender identities. Two-spirit can also include relationships that could be considered polyamorous (University of Toronto, 2021).

Accessibility: When a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally integrated and equally effective manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use (American Consortium for Equity in Education, n.d.).

American Sign Language (ASL / Signing): A complete, typical language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammatical differences from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing and is used by many hearing people as well to communicate with people of the deaf community (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2019).

Autism Spectrum Disorder / ASD: A complex developmental condition that may involve persistent challenges in social interaction, speech, nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person, leading some people to refer to autism as a spectrum. Recently, the term "atypical" has been used to refer to individuals with ASD as aspects of their neurological functioning are not typical (American Psychiatric Association, 2018).

Blindness: The inability to see due to injury, disease or genetic condition. There are varying degrees of blindness, as an individual can be legally blind and still have some ability to see, or may be totally blind, i.e., have a complete loss of vision (Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, n.d.).

Braille: A system of raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. Teachers, parents, and others who are not blind can read braille with their eyes. Braille is not a language. Rather, it is a code by which many languages—such as English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and dozens of others—may be written and read (American Foundation for the Blind, 2020).

Deaf: The lowercase deaf is used to refer to the audiological condition of not hearing. The uppercase Deaf is used to refer to a particular group of deaf people who share both a language, such as American Sign Language (ASL), and a culture (National Association of the Deaf, n.d.).

Disability: Having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more everyday life activity. This may include people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes individuals who do not view themselves as having a disability but are regarded by others as having a disability (ADA National Network, 2021).

Functional Needs: Refers to the needs of individuals who have physical, sensory, mental health, cognitive, and/or intellectual disabilities affecting their ability to function independently.  An individual with functional needs may also be referred to as an individual with a disability. The term may also be used to refer to the needs of individuals with short-term physical challenges such as pregnant women (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

Hard of Hearing (HoH): Describes someone with a mild-to-moderate loss of hearing. It can also refer to a deaf person who doesn’t have/want any cultural affiliation with the Deaf community (National Association of the Deaf, n.d.).

Hearing Loss: Describes situations in which the individual has any degree of hearing loss ranging from mild to profound, encompassing both people who are deaf and people who are hard of hearing (Hearing Loss Association of America, n.d.).

Intellectual Disability: A disability characterized by having significant difficulties in intellectual functioning, which involves actions such as communicating, learning, and problem solving, as well as adaptive behavior, which involves actions such as everyday social skills, routines, and hygiene (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015).

Learning Disability: A disability characterized by having differences in brain functioning which negatively affects cognitive processes like learning. These neurological differences can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing or math.  They can also interfere with higher level skills such as organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, long or short term memory and attention (Learning Disabilities Association of America, n.d.).

Limited Vision: Challenges in the ability to see to the degree that it causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses. There are varying degrees of limited vision, which may be referred to as having low vision or being partially sighted (Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, n.d.).

Mental Illness: Common health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2018).

Neurodivergent / Neurodiversity: Used to describe individuals who live with autism, are on the autism spectrum, or who have other developmental differences, such as individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities (Healthline, 2017).

Neurotypical: Used to describe individuals of typical developmental, intellectual, and cognitive abilities (Healthline, 2017).

Physical Disability: A disability characterized by a physical condition that affects a person’s mobility, physical capacity, stamina, or dexterity (Achieve Australia, n.d.).

Conservative: A person who generally believes in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and a strong national defense. Also, people who are Conservative believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals (Nettleton, 2013). 

Democrat: A political party that usually supports domestic social services but is not very aggressive on foreign policy. Typically liberal, they advocate for a strong government to improve social structures and support equality and communal responsibility (WorldAtlas, 2021).

Independent: A political affiliation characterized by involvement or interest in politics but not as a member of a political party. In the United States for example, where voters and politicians are divided up into two camps on many divisive issues, an independent candidate may wish to stand to represent a mix of beliefs and policies (Polyas, 2021).

Liberal: Generally refers to having belief in governmental action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all, and that it is the duty of the government to reduce community challenges and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Also, a liberal political leaning is associated with a belief that the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need (Nettleton, 2013).

Moderate: An ideological category that designates a rejection of radical or extreme views, especially in regard to politics and religion. It is important to note that individuals that identify as moderate can also identify with a primary political party as well (Wikipedia, 2021).

Political Affiliation: The status of a voter as being registered with a qualified political party or as “no party.” Party identification is not a particularly stable attitude; many people go back and forth on how they regard this identity (Law Insider, 2021; Pew Research Center, 2004).

Republican: A political party that generally advocates for limited government intervention on domestic issues but a dominating approach to international relations. Republicans are pro-military, pro-business, pro-religion, and for people to have freedoms and to take personal responsibility for their actions. The Republican Party is socially and fiscally conservative, advocating for a lean government and strong free market (WorldAtlas, 2021).

Socialism: An economic and social policy in which the public owns industry and products, in which the public, rather than private individuals or corporations. Under socialism, the government controls most means of production and natural resources, among other industries, and everyone in the country is entitled to an equitable share (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2020).

Aboriginal: Without a capital "a", "aboriginal" can refer to an Indigenous person from anywhere in the world. The word means “original inhabitant” in Latin (Amnesty International, 2021).

African: People who are directly from the African continent, but also referring to the customs and languages of Africa (Joseph, 2021; Pacific University Oregon, n.d.).

African American:  Relating to the ethnic group of Americans tracing their ancestry back to the African continent or tracing their ancestry back to black enslaved Africans (Joseph, 2021; Pacific University Oregon, n.d.).

African American Vernacular English (AAVE): A dialect of American English spoken by a large proportion of the Black and African American community. Also known as Ebonics (Joseph, 2021).

African Caribbean: Also referred to as Afro-Caribbean.  The ethnic group of Caribbeans who trace their full or partial ancestry back to the African continent (Joseph, 2021).

Anti-Racism: The active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably (Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, 2021).

Asian: The continent of Asia, people directly from Asia, or the customs and languages of Asia. A person who views themself as Asian typically is either native to or inhabits Asia, or has Asian ancestry (Lindberg, 2021).

Asian American:  Relates to the ethnic group of Americans tracing their ancestry back to any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam (Kambhampaty, 2020).

BIPOC: BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Pronounced “bye-pock.” The term “BIPOC” is more descriptive than people of color or POC. It acknowledges that people of color face varying types of discrimination and prejudice. Additionally, it emphasizes that systemic racism continues to oppress, invalidate, and deeply affect the lives of Black and Indigenous people. BIPOC aims to bring to center stage the specific violence, cultural erasure, and discrimination experienced by Black and Indigenous people (YWCA, 2019).

Black: Any various populations that have a dark pigmentation of skin who identify as Black, including those in the African Diaspora and within Africa. Should be capitalized (Pacific University Oregon, n.d.).

Black Lives Matter: #BlackLivesMatter was founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. Goals include combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Brown: A catch-all term frequently used in the United States for racial minorities who do not fit into or choose not to identify with the concrete, limited racial classifications typically listed. Many who identify with the word are from South Asian regions of the world. Many people from the Latinx community or those who identify with multiple races may also use the term (Snider, 2021).

Caucasian: Often used interchangeably with “white” - a term created in the 18th century when a German anatomist deemed the people of Caucasus to be created perfectly in God’s image. The term Caucasian began to be used as one of five racial classifications, which was given to light-skinned people as a way to justify them as the superior race.  This term may also be used to refer to people of East Asian origin (Moses, 2017).

Chicano/a: An identifier for people of Mexican descent born in the United States. The term came into popular use by Mexican Americans as a symbol of pride during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s. Initially, the term was used to refer to all people of Mexican origin. Since the 20th century, the term has referred to people of Mexican descent born in the United States. "Chicano" is the masculine version of the word; "Chicana" is the feminine form (Britannica, 2021).

Defunding the Police: “Defund the police” means reallocating or redirecting funding away from the police department and towards other government agencies funded by the local municipality.  Due to policy brutality toward people of color and other marginalized communities, this idea has received increasing attention (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Ethnicity: A social construct that divides people into smaller social groups based on shared cultural heritage. This includes characteristics such as shared sense of group membership, values, behavioral patterns, language, political and economic interests, history, and ancestral geographical base (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

European: Refers to the continent of Europe, people directly from Europe, or the customs and languages of Europe. A person who is European is either native to or inhabits Europe (Lindberg, 2021).

Filipino/a: A person from the Philippines; “Filipino” is the masculine version of the word; "Filipina" is the feminine form (Cambridge University Press 2021).

Hispanic, Latin(a/o), & Latinx:  Terms which may be at times used interchangeably, referring to individuals who trace their origin to Latin American countries and are also Spanish-speaking.  The term Hispanic is related to language use, whereas the term Latino/a/x refers to being of Latin-American origin.  It is important to note that generally the U.S. tends to confuse these two terms.  The use of “x” at the end of Latin is intended to remove a specific gender identity connotation from the use of the adjective.  Notably, individuals may also self-identify as a member of a specific ethnic group such as Mexican-American or Honduran-American (Colon, 2021; Lopez et al., 2020).

Indigenous / Native: Refers to people who are historically linked to territories and natural resources in pre-colonial times. These individuals both self-identify as and are accepted by the community as a member of a Native group. These groups are characterized by distinct social, economic, or political systems, have their own cultures and beliefs, and may speak distinct languages. Notably, the terms Indigenous and Native are used interchangeably here, as individuals from these groups may be more comfortable with one term or the other. This list of preferred terms for the self or group is not exhaustive (United Nations, n.d.).

Indigenous Reservation: An area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The name "reservation" comes from the belief that tribes were independent sovereigns at the time the U.S. Constitution was ratified they were to have land specifically reserved for their use. These reservations have more commonly been referred to as “Indian Reservations” (The Minnesota Historical Society, 2021).

“Model” Minority: The cultural expectation placed on Asian Americans as a group that each individual will be: smart (i.e., naturally good at math, science, and technology), wealthy, hard-working, self-reliant, living the American dream, docile, and submissive, obedient and uncomplaining and/or spiritually enlightened and never in need of assistance. Individuals who identify as Asian American may feel pressured to meet these cultural expectations (The University of Texas at Austin, 2021).

Multiethnic: Of or having to do with society, community, or individuals who identify with multiple ethnic backgrounds (Collins Dictionary, n.d.).

Multiracial: Refers to the concept of consisting of or involving people of many different races. This can also refer to an individual identity, i.e., having a mixed racial identity (Collins Dictionary, n.d.).

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander:  Sometimes referred to as NHOPI, this term relates to persons having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands (National Endowment for the Humanities, n.d.)

People of Global Majority (PGM):  Also referred to sometimes as the emerging majority.  The phrasing is at times used interchangeably with "black, indigenous, and people of color" (BIPOC), since black, indigenous, and other people of color represent over 80% of the world’s population. The specific phrasing of “People of Global Majority” points out the demographic inaccuracy of the term "minority."  People of Global Majority are still considered part of minority populations because of the relative lack of privilege and power they have (People of the Global Majority in the Outdoors, Nature, and Environment, 2020).

Race: A social construct subject to change created to divide groups of people, with related concepts of superiority and inferiority. These groups are created based on genetic characteristics, such as skin color, hair, facial features, etc. It is important to both consider that individuals self-identify in terms of race, and are also defined by others as members of particular racial groups, which can lead to stereotyping and other forms of oppression (Missouri State University, n.d.; Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Second Language / Bilingual: A bilingual person is someone who speaks two languages. A person who speaks more than two languages is called “multilingual,” although the term “bilingualism” can be used for both situations.  Multilingualism is not unusual; in fact, it is the norm for most of the world's societies. It is possible for a person to know and use three, four, or even more languages fluently (Linguistic Society of America, 2021). 

White: Any various populations that have a light pigmentation of skin, predominantly those of European descent (Lindberg, 2021). 

White Centering:  The centering of white people, white values, white norms, and white feelings over those of people of color.   White centering can include not holding oneself accountable for one’s actions of harming, hurting, or ignoring people of color.  This concept can also refer to becoming defensive or not listening to a person of color when confronted with having engaged in racist behaviors (Change Cadet, 2021; Sager, 2020).  

White Fragility: A state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves. These moves include the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation. These behaviors, in turn, function to reduce the discomfort in the individual who is white (DiAngelo, 2021).  

White Privilege: Refers to the unearned set of advantages, entitlements, benefits, and choices bestowed on people solely because they are white. Generally, white people who experience such privilege do so without being conscious of it (Racial Equity Tools, 2020).

Whiteness: Whiteness and white racialized identity refer to the way that white people, their customs, culture, and beliefs operate as the standard to which all other groups are compared. Whiteness is also at the core of understanding race in America. Whiteness and the normalization of white racial identity throughout America's history have created a culture where nonwhite persons are seen as inferior or abnormal (Lindner, 2018).

Atheism: The proposition that God does not exist or that there are no gods (Stanford University, 2017).

Agnosticism: The proposition that there is a God, combined with the belief that this can not be shown to be either true or false (Stanford University, 2017).

Buddhism: One of the major world religions, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in India. Buddhism does not have a supreme god or deity, instead focusing on achieving enlightenment or nirvana, a state of inner peace and wisdom. Other beliefs include karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation, which is the continuous cycle of rebirth (History, 2020).

Christianity: Being the most widely practiced religion in the world, the Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is believed to be God’s son and the messiah who was sent to save the world. Christians believe in one God who consists of three parts: the father (God himself), the son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The symbol of Christianity is the cross, and their sacred text is called the Holy Bible (History, 2020).

Confucianism: An ancient Chinese belief system which focuses on the importance of personal ethics and morality. Confucius was a philosopher and teacher who believed in ancestor worship and human-centered virtues for living a peaceful life.  There are no gods in Confucianism, and there are many books which serve as an ethical guide to life and living with strong character (National Geographic, 2020).

Hinduism: A religion which originated in Central Asia and the Indus Valley; it is also known as the "eternal order" or "eternal path." It is understood that the scriptures from the Vedas have always existed, and so has Brahman, the Supreme Over Soul from whom all of creation emerges. Brahman is the First Cause which sets all else in motion but is also that which is in motion, that which guides the course of creation, and creation itself (World History Encyclopedia, 2020).

Islam: The second largest religion in the world, Islam is a monotheistic faith which worships Allah, who allows all things to happen through him. Muslims believe that Allah’s word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad, and their major holy text is the Quran, or Koran. Muslims often follow the Five Pillars of Islam (History, 2019).

Judaism: The world’s oldest known monotheistic religion in which followers believe in one God who has established a special agreement with his people. Jewish people believe God communicates through prophets and rewards good deeds while also punishing evil. The symbol of Judaism is the Star of David, and their sacred text is called the Tanakh or the “Hebrew Bible” (History, 2021).

Monotheistic: The belief in a single all-powerful god, as opposed to the belief that there are multiple gods (Vocabulary.com, n.d.).

Polytheistic: The belief in multiple gods, as opposed to the belief that there is only one god (Lindberg, 2021).

Religion / Belief: A concept which is highly debated with regard to its definition, religion generally refers to a set of beliefs and customs which are practiced in regard to spirituality. Not all belief systems are recognized or considered to be a religion, and instead they may be recognized as a simple belief (Lindberg, 2021; Portland State University, n.d.).

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion originating in part of South Asia in which it is believed that one’s actions are important and that one should lead a good life. Sikhism is based on the teachings of the founder of the religion, Guru Nanak, and other teachers known as Sikh Gurus who followed after him. The Sikh Khalsa, or “Community of the Pure”, must follow the Five Ks and their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh symbol is the Khanda (British Broadcasting Corporation, n.d.).

Spirituality: A broad concept which generally refers to a sense of connection to something bigger than oneself, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. Spirituality is a universal human experience which may be described as sacred, transcendent, or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness (University of Minnesota, n.d.).

Unitarian Universalism: A spiritual faith, sometimes referred to as Unitarian, which welcomes people of many different beliefs and backgrounds, embracing the unique experiences of each person and emphasizing the importance of making positive differences in the world towards love, justice, and peace. Unitarian Universalism promotes seven guiding Principles and is based on six philosophical sources, all of which come from different teachings which are considered to be wise and spiritual (Unitarian Universalist Association, n.d.).

Access: Behaviors and procedures that promote equity and diversity, foster inclusion, and allow people to maximize their contribution to the communities that they serve (Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2021).

Food Insecurity: A lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation for a household or can last a long time (Feeding America, 2021).

Income inequality: How unevenly income is distributed throughout a population. The less equal the distribution, the higher income inequality is. Income inequality is often accompanied by wealth inequality, which is the uneven distribution of wealth, i.e., all financial resources owned by the person (Investopedia, 2021).

Low Income: Refers to those who earn less than or around the poverty level, so that they have less disposable income than others and may struggle to meet their needs. People with low income often have low job security and may also have low education levels. Some people with low income may qualify for government assistance programs (Farlex Financial Dictionary, 2012).

Opportunity Gap: Refers to the fact that the arbitrary circumstances in which people are born—such as their race, ethnicity, ZIP code, and socioeconomic status—determine their opportunities in life, rather than all people having the chance to achieve to the best of their potential (Teach For America, 2021).

Poverty: Refers to a state of lacking enough resources to provide the necessities of life, such as food, clean water, shelter, clothing, access to health care, education, and transportation. The federal government defines poverty as having income below a specified level, with consideration of family size (World Vision, 2021).

Professional Class / Upper Middle-Class: Refers to those whose income is greater than the majority of individuals. People from the professional-middle class often have professional careers, for which they may have earned some degree in higher education (Lindberg, 2021).

Social Class: Hierarchical divisions in society based on socioeconomic status. People in the same social class typically share a similar level of wealth, educational achievement, job type, and income (ReviseSociology, 2016).

Social Mobility: A shift in an individual’s social status from one standing to another, which can be higher, lower, intergenerational (the change of the position of a person or a household as compared with previous generations), or intragenerational, i.e., the change of the position of one person or a household over time (Corporate Finance Institute, n.d.).

Social Welfare: Systems that provide assistance to individuals and families through programs such as health care, food stamps, unemployment compensation, housing assistance, and child care assistance. Within each state, social welfare systems may go by different names, but they often serve similar functions (Kagan, 2021).

Socioeconomic Status: The social standing or class of an individual or group, which often includes variables such as education, income, and occupation. The lower the socioeconomic status, the more likely there have been or will be both inequities in access to resources and issues related to privilege, power, and control (American Psychological Association, n.d.).

Unhoused: Not residing in a house or shelter. More commonly referred to as “homeless.” However, the label of “homeless” has derogatory connotations. It implies that one is “less than,” and it undermines self-esteem. The word "unhoused" implies that there is a moral and social assumption that everyone should be housed in the first place (Unhoused Technologies, 2020).

Working Class: Refers the social class in which people, when they go to work, have comparatively little power or authority.  People who are characterized as "working class" do their jobs typically under close supervision and who have little control over the pace or the content of their work (Demos, 2018).

The cultural information index was created (i.e., curated and written) initially by Tim Snider (class of 2021), Samara Lindberg (class of 2021), and Dr. Andrea Zevenbergen (Psychology department) in the Spring 2021 semester. Collaborators on the index content and design have included:  Anthony Alterio, Allison Angell, Andrea Colon, Julie Crowell, Jacob Czelusta, Melena DeBoe, Dr. Jennifer Hildebrand, Allyson Hineman, Khristian King, Dr. Jeff Iovannone, Ithamare Joseph, Dr. Saundra Liggins, Dr. Dani McMay, Abby Nunn, Angela Pucciarelli Rice, Jennifer Ruhland, Dr. Susan Spangler, Dale Stevenson, David White, Simon Williams, Xi Yek (Zach), and Matthew Zevenbergen.