Resource Category M

Metoidioplasty

A surgical procedure (or a number of surgical procedures) pursued by some transgender people with clitorises intended to create a new penis, known as a “neophallus,” out of preexisting genital tissue. Typically, the clitoris is cut and released from the surrounding tissue, increasing length and exposure without altering the urethra or vagina. Some metoidioplasty procedures may use skin grafts to link the urethra with the neophallus (Healthline, 2019).

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Microaggression

A brief, subtle statement, action, or behavior that reflects and reinforces prejudicial, insulting, and dehumanizing ideas regarding marginalized groups of people. The question “have you lost weight?” may be considered a microaggression, as it implies that the speaker believes the person they’re addressing was formerly overweight.

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Misgendering

Deliberately or unintentionally addressing someone, typically a transgender or non-binary person, with pronouns, phrases, names, or references that do not align with the person’s gender identity. Purposeful misgendering is considered degrading and transphobic and may threaten a transgender person’s safety. Zoe dreaded visiting their extended family members, who often misgendered them by calling them by their birth name.

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Monosexual

A person who experiences sexual attraction only to people of a specific gender (Serano, 2018). Cali is monosexual—they are strictly sexually attracted to men. Serano, Julia. “Julia’s Trans, Gender, Sexuality and Activism Glossary.” Juliaserano.com, 2019.

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Mx.

A gender-neutral honorific analogous to Ms. or Mr. (Wilson, 2014). Pronounced like “mix.” Wilson, Jessica E. “Gender Terminology Definitions 2014.” Slideshare, 9 March 2015, www.slideshare.net/JessicaEWilson/gender-terminology-definitions-2014

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