According the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), which published an LGBT glossary of more than 250 terms, the belief that there are only two genders — male and female — should be treated as “genderism.”
The guide, which was published as part of the DCF’s Safe Harbors Project and was last updated July 7, defines “genderism” as: “The system of belief that there are only two genders (men and women) and that gender is inherently tied to one’s sex assigned at birth. It holds cisgender people as superior to transgender people, and punishes or excludes those who don’t conform to society’s expectations of gender.”
“Gender oppression,” according to the heavily-Democratic state, is “The societal, institutional, and individual beliefs and practices that privilege cisgender (gender-typical people) and subordinate and disparage transgender or gender variant people. Also known as ‘genderism.'”
The Safe Harbor Project was originally created in 2001 to “educate against homophobia, gender bias and racism while working to create a world where youth, adults and families of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and affirmed, and to implement affirming and unbiased, culturally competent, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning & Intersex (LGBTQI) service trainings for foster and adoptive parents, social workers, child care and community providers surrounding the issues and problems specific to youth and families with inherent sexuality issues.”
The guide explains what the DCF considers to be a family: “Two or more persons who share resources, share responsibility for decisions, share values and goals, and have commitments to one another over a period of time. The family is that climate that one comes home to; and it is that network of sharing and commitments that most accurately describes the family unit, regardless of blood, legalities or adoption or marriage.”
The state also offers a definition of “Gayby,” which is defined as the “child or children of a gay couple or individual. Used when talking about for both Lesbian/Gay couples and individuals.”
“In keeping with Connecticut’s laws, regulations and ethics, DCF actively recruits LGBT foster and adoptive parents and mentors,” the SHP website states. A spokesperson for the DCF did not return an email seeking comment.
The guide contains hundreds of other terms.
“Homophobic propaganda” is defined as “propaganda based on homo-negativity and homophobia towards homosexual and sometimes other non-heterosexual people.”
The term “gender gifted,” meanwhile, “refers to a person whose capacity for gender expression exceeds the binary.”
“It is a positive term and can be applied to anyone who enjoys to challenge cis gendered normatives, whether it be in frame of mind, in presentation, or as an ally to loved ones who challenge the binary gender divide,” the guide states.
The guide explains that a “Diva” is a “gay man, drag queen or woman that presents themselves as a strong-willed, confident and sometimes arrogant person. A diva is considered an icon to be admired for their beauty and pose.”
The guide also contains the term “Ephebophiles” which “refers to a sexual preference for individuals from mid- to late-adolescence usually 15-20’s.”
The term “D&D Free,” the guide explains, is an “abbreviation for drug and disease free.”
The state includes multiple examples of gender neutral pronouns in the guide.
The word “ze” is defined as an “Alternate pronoun that is gender neutral and preferred by some gender variant persons. Replaces ‘he’/’she’.” Similarly, the guide explains that the word “zir” “can be used instead of his/her.” The guide also states that the word “Hir” is a “gender-neutral objective and possessive third-person pronoun used largely by the transgender community.”
The guide also contains examples of “problematic terms,” “defamatory terms” and “offensive terms.”
The term “sex change,” for example, is considered “problematic” and shouldn’t be used. “Referring to a sex change operation, or using terms such as pre- or post-operative, inaccurately suggests that one must have surgery in order to transition,” the government explains.
One of the “offensive terms” listed is the word “homosexual,” which should be replaced with “gay,” “gay man” or “lesbian.”
“Bathroom bill,” meanwhile, is listed as a “defamatory term” that was “created and used by far-right extremists to oppose non-discrimination laws that protect transgender people.”
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