Elite Johns Hopkins University (JHU) eliminated the term “women” in its LGBTQ Glossary, in which a “lesbian” is now defined as a “non-man attracted to non-men,” even as a “gay man” is still defined as a “man who is emotionally, romantically, sexually, affectionately, or relationally attracted to other men.”
The glossary, found on the “Diversity & Inclusion” website’s page titled “Gender & Sexuality Resources,” continues regarding the definition of the term “lesbian” that “[w]hile past definitions refer to ‘lesbian’ as a woman who is emotionally, romantically, and/or sexually attracted to other women, this updated definition includes non-binary people who may also identify with the label.”
On Monday, in its report about the new glossary that led with the headline, “Trust the science?” the Daily Mail noted the university is “renowned for its excellence in education and research, particularly in the field of medicine but falls short using basic terminology related to gender.”
“The current definition of ‘lesbian’ in the Johns Hopkins glossary explicitly acknowledges such a shift from previous definitions aiming to be inclusive of non-binary individuals who identify as lesbian,” the report explained.
“Lesbians are now officially squirrels,” commented conservative author and host Ben Shapiro on Twitter.
The “resource” suggests “the range of identities and terms that are used within LGBTQIA+ communities” is limitless. Readers are advised:
If you hear a term you don’t recognize, or feel like someone is using a term in a new way, ask the individual what the term means to them. This glossary is meant as an introduction to the community, and is not the definitive answer as to how everyone understands these terms.
The terms defined in the glossary include:
- Agender [gender identity]: Without gender. Often used as an identification for people who do not identify with or conform to any gender.
- Biphobia: Fear, aversion, or hatred of people who are bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, or otherwise attracted to multiple genders.
Of particular note is that the university states a “belief that there are only two genders” is called “cissexism,” which is defined as a “prejudice,” and that the terms “gay” and “lesbian” are often viewed as “white terms” by black individuals:
- Cissexism: A belief that there are only two genders which are assigned at birth and immutable. This prejudice has been integrated into social systems and policies, which contributes to the discrimination and oppression of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people.
- Same-Gender Loving (SGL): How some African Americans prefer to describe their sexual orientation, seeing “gay” and “lesbian” as primarily white terms. “Same-sex loving” is also in use.
