The dialogue around diversity, equity, and inclusion is broad and growing daily. This introduces the need for a common vocabulary to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Because of differences in lived experience, words often hold different meanings for different people. This glossary is not meant to be exhaustive, since language is continuously evolving. The main goal is to provide a basic framework and promote dialogue.
There are currently 8 Terms in this directory beginning with the letter H.
H
Harrassment
the use of comments or actions that can be perceived as offensive, embarrassing, humiliating, demeaning, and unwelcome.
Health
a state of complete physical, social, and mental well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
Health at Every Size
Known by the acronym HAES, a social and health promotion movement that challenges social stigma based on weight, size and shape. The movement emphasizes body positivity, health outcomes, and eating and movement for wellbeing rather than weight control.
Health Disparities
a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social or economic disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater social and/or economic obstacles to health and/or a clean environment based on their racial or ethnic group, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, age, mental health, cognitive, sensory, or physical disability, sexual orientation, geographical location, or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion.
Health Equity
The absence of health inequities. Health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain their full health potential without disadvantage because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.
Health Inequities/Health Inequalities
differences in health determinants and health outcomes that are the result of social and structural imbalances, and are thus avoidable and preventable.
Heteronormativity
the assumption that everyone is heterosexual, and that heterosexuality is superior to all other sexualities. This includes the often implicitly held idea that heterosexuality is the norm and that other sexualities are “different” or “abnormal.”
