Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Development

These flashcards capture key terms and concepts related to gender identity and sexual orientation as discussed in the provided lecture notes.

Biological Sex

The sex assigned at birth, usually categorized as male or female.

Intersex Conditions

Genetic abnormalities where individuals may have both male and female characteristics, impacting biological sex.

Gender Identity

How individuals perceive themselves and how they identify in terms of gender, which may not align with biological sex.

Gender Expression

How individuals present their gender to the world, which may involve clothing, behavior, and physical appearance.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Sex characteristics that are present at birth and are directly involved in reproduction, such as reproductive organs.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Features that develop during puberty, such as breast development, body hair, and voice changes.

HPG Axis

The hormonal system that regulates sex hormone production, influencing puberty and secondary sexual characteristics.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that gender identity is learned through reinforcement and modeling behaviors from others.

Gender Schema Theory

A cognitive theory that explains how people internalize and categorize understanding of gender.

Affirmation

The act of recognizing and supporting an individual's gender identity, which is crucial for self-acceptance and societal acceptance.

Dead Naming

Referring to a transgender individual by their birth name, which they no longer use.

Sexual Orientation

The pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction one feels toward others, not strictly defined by gender.

Cultural Context

The societal and environmental influences that shape an individual's understanding and expression of gender identity.

Survivorship Bias

A logical error that focuses on the people or things that passed some selection process and overlooks those that did not.