Heteronormativity
The perspective that only being heterosexual and cisgender is “normal,” disregarding the experiences of people who do not identify as heterosexual or cisgender.
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Harness
A device used to hold a prosthetic penis (or packer) in place during casual use or while engaging in sexual activities.
Harm Reduction
A range of public health policies that emphasize education and prevention rather than pathologizing, criminalizing, and/or punishing potentially unsafe activities, both legal and illicit. The harm reduction model allows an individual to determine whether they want to stop or change a behavior and may be applied to various scenarios, including (but not limited to) recreational drug use, self-injury, and sexual activity. In the latter example, a harm reduction approach may consist of sex education (as opposed to abstinence-only education), pre- and post-HIV exposure prophylaxis, and/or condom distribution to at-risk populations.
Hard Packing
The act of wearing a prosthetic phallus that is erect and may be used for sexual penetration (Wilson, 2014). Wilson, Jessica E. “Gender Terminology Definitions 2014.” Slideshare, 9 March 2015, www.slideshare.net/JessicaEWilson/gender-terminology-definitions-2014
Gray Asexuality
Gray Asexuality or Gray Ace is an umbrella term generally referring to the gray area, or middle, of the spectrum between sexuality and asexuality. People who identify themselves as gray ace may tend to lean more toward the “asexual” side of the spectrum, where they may experience sexual attraction only on occasion (Bogaert, 2015). Bogaert, Anthony. “Asexuality: What It Is and Why It Matters.” Journal of Sex Research. 52 (2015): 362-379. 10.1080
Gender Spectrum
The full range of all possible genders (Wilson, 2014).
Genderqueer
An umbrella term for non-binary gender identities (Wilson, 2014); a gender identity that does not adhere to conventional and/or binary conceptions of gender.
Gender Presentation
See: Gender Expression.