Glossary of Terms
On this page you will find Keychange’s current usage of words and definitions within the Keychange pledge context, as well as our wider communications. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change as words and terminology evolve. *
D/deaf, disabled and chronically ill
When referring to D/deaf, disabled and chronically ill people, we include those with mobility impairment, those with sensory impairment such as loss of sight and hearing, those with an intellectual disability, and those living with chronic illness
Equality
“Concept to denote the right of groups of people to be treated in the same way, equally and fairly, irrespective of their personal traits such as their gender, race, beliefs, or ability. Made prominent by women’s demands to be treated equally with men in the workplace, it has also been the demand of others discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation or their age.” (Griffin, 2017).
Equity
“This concept refers to being treated fairly and justly. In many contexts such as the labour market the opposite, inequitable treatment, occurs. This is discrimination, and may relate to differential pay given to women and men, or people being discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation” (Griffin, 2017).
Gender-diverse
“refers to the extent to which a person’s gender identity, role, or expression differs from the cultural norms prescribed for people of a particular sex” (Kidkarndee, 2018).
When we say ‘gender-diverse’ this includes, but is not limited to: non-binary, a-gender, gender queer, gender fluid and transgender creators people.
Global majority
is a collective term for people of Indigenous, African, Asian, or Latin American descent, who constitute approximately 85 percent of the global population. It has been used as an alternative to terms which are seen as racialized like "ethnic minority" and "person of color" (POC)
Intersectionality
Gender is only one aspect of ‘intersectionality’ – a word and an analytical framework which recognises the importance of the combination of a person's social and political identities. These interconnections create discrimination and privilege and therefore all affect access to opportunity. Examples outside gender include, but are not limited to (in no particular order), sex, race, class, caste, sexuality, religion, and disability. Other forms of discrimination that are not so obvious also include physical appearance (e.g. size, height) and citizenship status.
Transgender
“The words transgender and trans [...] refer to individuals who do not identify with the sex assigned to them at birth. This includes individuals who identify as nonbinary (neither exclusively female nor exclusively male), those who identify as trans women or trans men, and those who identify simply as women or men (or women/ men or trans experience), but who were not assigned to that category at birth” (Zimman, 2017).
* Keychange uses English as its main language of communication in our Keychange Pledge and our wider work, with particular reference to British English. We acknowledge and understand that in different native and non-native English language contexts, translating words and concepts can be difficult and cause conflict and discomfort. Language affects how countries talk about gender, intersectionality and equity in their national music industry. We are also aware that different legal frameworks, cultural, national and political contexts need to be considered. We encourage people to continue conversations and actions in their local language contexts and use English in a way that is comfortable and safe for them.