8.6: Glossary

AIDS. The acronym formed from acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a chronic disease caused by the HIV virus that has disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community (particularly gay men, bisexual men, trans women, and men who have sex with men).

assimilationist. Fixing the system from within, trying to fit into the status quo; integrating.

attitudes. Positive or negative affective evaluations of someone or something.

blended family. A couple with children from previous relationships.

extended family. The kin or relatives outside the nuclear or single-parent family; may include aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, or others related by blood or marriage.

family. In the context of human society, a group of people related by either consanguinity (by recognized birth), affinity (by marriage or other relationship), coresidence (as implied by the word’s etymology, from the Latin familia), or some combination of these.

family of choice. A deliberately chosen group of people that satisfies the typical role of family as a support system. These people may or may not be related to the person who chose them.

heteronormative. A societal belief that makes heterosexuality the default and assumes that everyone is heterosexual until proved otherwise; normalizing heterosexuality and othering any other identity or experience apart from heterosexuality.

heterosexism. Bias that suggests that heterosexuality, or heterosexual relationships, are superior to any other relationships (e.g., queer, gay, lesbian).

internalized heterosexism. Heterosexism that an individual believes and therefore replicates and incorporates internally.

marriage equality. The recognition of same-sex marriage as a human and civil right, as well as recognition by law and support of societal institutions.

minority stress. Health disparities often found in minority groups can be explained in part by the discrimination they endure, and this discrimination causes stress and illness; Ilan Meyer developed this sociobehavioral theory.

nonmonogamous families. Couples who have children and who engage consensually in sexual activities with other adults outside each couple.

nonmonogamous relationships. Deep, close, relationships between two or more people who may engage consensually in sexual activities with others outside the relationship.

nuclear family. A couple and their dependent children; typically assumed to be a heterosexual couple.

polyamorous. The practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with more than one partner, with the consent of all partners involved. A polyamorous family is one made up of more than two sexual or romantic partners and their dependent children.

resilience. An individual’s ability to recover, or bounce back, from a stressful or traumatic experience.

single-parent family. A one-parent-headed family (typically one parent with a dependent child or children).

stereotypes. Negative, positive, or neutral beliefs about the members of a group that are often unsubstantiated.

thriving. The condition of individuals who experience a stressful or traumatic event and who not only bounce back but flourish as a result of the event.