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. 2020 Jul 8;15(7):e0235608. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235608

Table 1. Key definitions for terms used.

Definitions
Biological sex sex as directed by genetic factors, that then determine downstream sex-differentiating biological processes
Recorded sex sex recorded at time of birth based on physiological and anatomical sex characteristics; has also been referred to as natal sex or assigned sex
Transgender an umbrella term that describes an individual who does not identify or exclusively identify with their recorded sex
Cisgender term describing an individual who identifies with the gender that is consistent with their recorded sex
Gender the behavioral norms for each sex that emerge at the population level, driven by a combination of biological, social, and cultural influences
Gender identity the relation of an individual to gender norms that is most consistent with that individual’s feelings, perspectives, and behaviors
Gender expression the way in which an individual shows their gender identity through physical appearance, behavior, and interests
Sexual orientation a component of an identity that includes a person’s sexual and emotional attraction to another person, as well as the behavior and/or social affiliation that may result from this attraction
Non-heterosexuality an encompassing sexual identity term for those who are not strictly heterosexual
Gender variance the discrepancy between an individual’s gender identity and the gender typical of their recorded sex
Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) an encompassing term for people who are not heterosexual and/or not cisgender
Stakeholder an individual who has an investment in a group and is affected by their involvement in the group