May 12, 2025 | By Shei Mendoza

A resource from Neta, a Latina and LGBTQ-owned creative agency dedicated to advancing social justice through strategic marketing, powerful branding and cultural storytelling.

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Introduction

Language is one of the most powerful tools for social change. The words we choose shape not only how we communicate about issues of justice and equity, but also how these messages are received and understood by diverse communities.

At Neta, we recognize that effective advocacy often requires communicating across languages and cultures. Spanish, spoken by over 460 million people worldwide, contains rich regional variations and cultural nuances that significantly impact how social justice messages are conveyed and interpreted. What resonates in Mexico may not have the same impact in Argentina, Spain, or Latino communities in the United States.

This comprehensive Spanish-English social justice glossary was developed through our experience working with over 125 organizations dedicated to creating positive social change. We've compiled more than 200 essential terms organized by thematic category, with concise definitions that capture the nuances necessary for effective and culturally competent communication.

Why a Bilingual Social Justice Glossary Matters

Message consistency: Maintain coherent messaging across multilingual campaigns
Cultural accuracy: Respect the specific cultural nuances of Spanish-speaking communities
Accessibility: Make complex concepts understandable to diverse audiences
Movement building: Facilitate collaboration between organizations and activists across regions
Authentic communication: Ensure your advocacy work resonates with the communities you serve

This resource is designed to be practical and accessible for nonprofits, social enterprises, advocates, and communicators working on social justice issues. We invite you to use it, share it, and most importantly, contribute your suggestions. Language evolves constantly, especially in social movements, and we value your expertise and knowledge.

Racial Equality and Anti-Racism
Climate Justice and Environmental Protection
Economic Inequality and Poverty
Healthcare Access and Equity
Reproductive Rights and Justice
Immigration Rights and Reform
Criminal Justice Reform
Education Equity
Digital Rights and Internet Access
Gender Equality and Women's Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality

Racial Equality and Anti-Racism

Racial Equality and Anti-Racism | Igualdad Racial y Antirracismo

Addressing systemic racism, promoting racial equity, and combating discrimination in all areas of society.

Affirmative action | Acción afirmativa

Policies that seek to increase the representation of historically marginalized groups in areas such as education and employment.

Ally | Aliado

Person who does not belong to a marginalized group but actively supports the struggle for equality.

Decolonization | Descolonización

Process of dismantling colonial structures in society, education, and culture.

Diversity | Diversidad

Inclusion of people of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in a group or institution.

Implicit bias | Sesgo implícito

Attitudes or stereotypes that unconsciously affect our understanding, actions, and decisions.

Intersectionality | Interseccionalidad

Concept that recognizes how different forms of oppression (race, gender, class, etc.) interconnect and affect people.

Microaggressions | Microagresiones

Subtle comments or actions, often unintentional, that convey prejudice toward marginalized groups.

Racial equity | Equidad racial

Fair treatment and access to opportunities for all people, regardless of race.

Racial profiling | Profiling racial

Discriminatory practice of making assumptions about a person based on their race or ethnicity.

Reparations | Reparaciones

Compensation for historical injustices related to race, such as slavery or systematic discrimination.

Restorative justice | Justicia restaurativa

Approach that seeks to repair harm caused by racism and other forms of oppression.

Segregation | Segregación

Physical or social separation of people based on their race or ethnicity.

Systemic racism | Racismo sistémico

Systems, policies, and practices that produce and reproduce unjust outcomes based on race.

Tokenism | Tokenismo

Practice of making a superficial or symbolic effort to be inclusive toward minorities.

White privilege | Privilegio blanco

Social, political, and economic advantages that white people have over people of color in a society with racial inequality.

Climate Justice and Environmental Protection

Climate Justice and Environmental Protection | Justicia Climática y Protección Ambiental

Addressing climate change while ensuring that the burdens and benefits of environmental policies are distributed equitably.

Anthropocene | Antropoceno

Proposed geological era characterized by significant human impact on the planet.

Biodiversity | Biodiversidad

Variety of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems.

Carbon footprint | Huella de carbono

Total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by a person, organization, or product.

Circular economy | Economía circular

Economic model that aims to eliminate waste and maximize the continuous use of resources.

Citizen science | Ciencia ciudadana

Scientific research conducted by members of the general public.

Climate change | Cambio climático

Variation in climate attributed to human activity.

Climate justice | Justicia climática

Approach that views climate change as an ethical and political issue, not just an environmental one.

Climate migration | Migración climática

Displacement of people due to climate-related changes in the environment.

Climate refugees | Refugiados climáticos

People forced to leave their homes due to sudden or long-term environmental changes.

Deforestation | Deforestación

Removal of a forest or stand of trees to convert the land to non-forest use.

Ecofeminism | Ecofeminismo

Movement that sees a connection between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women.

Ecology | Ecología

Study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Ecotourism | Ecoturismo

Tourism directed at natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local population.

Energy poverty | Pobreza energética

Inability of a household to meet its basic energy needs.

Environmental justice | Justicia ambiental

Fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in the development and implementation of environmental laws.

Environmental racism | Racismo ambiental

Environmental injustice based on race.

Extractivism | Extractivismo

Economic model based on intensive exploitation of natural resources.

Global warming | Calentamiento global

Long-term increase in Earth's average temperature.

Greenhouse effect | Efecto invernadero

Process by which thermal radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric gases.

Just transition | Transición justa

Approach that seeks to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is equitable.

Ozone layer | Capa de ozono

Region of Earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.

Pollution | Contaminación

Introduction of substances or energy into the environment, causing adverse effects.

Recycling | Reciclaje

Process of converting waste into new materials and objects.

Renewable energy | Energías renovables

Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric.

Sustainable development | Desarrollo sostenible

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.

Economic Inequality and Poverty

Economic Inequality and Poverty | Desigualdad Económica y Pobreza

Addressing the growing wealth gap, promoting fair wages, and ensuring access to economic opportunities for all.

Economic inequality | Desigualdad económica

Disparity in the distribution of income and wealth among individuals or groups in a society.

Financial inclusion | Inclusión financiera

Access to useful and affordable financial products and services for all segments of society.

Gini coefficient | Coeficiente de Gini

Statistical measure of inequality in income distribution within a population.

Glass ceiling | Techo de cristal

Invisible barrier that prevents certain groups, especially women and minorities, from advancing in their professional careers.

Inequality of opportunity | Desigualdad de oportunidades

Differences in access to resources and opportunities based on factors such as social or economic background.

Informal economy | Economía informal

Economic activities that operate outside of government regulation and control.

Minimum wage | Salario mínimo

Lowest amount of remuneration that employers can legally pay their workers.

Poverty | Pobreza

State of lacking economic and material resources necessary for a dignified life.

Poverty trap | Trampa de la pobreza

Mechanism that makes it difficult for people to escape poverty due to economic systems or structures.

Precarious work | Trabajo precario

Employment characterized by insecurity, low wages, and lack of labor protection.

Social mobility | Movilidad social

Possibility for individuals or groups to move between different socioeconomic levels.

Social security | Seguridad social

Government system that provides financial assistance and services to people with inadequate income.

Structural unemployment | Desempleo estructural

Unemployment caused by fundamental mismatches in the economy, such as technological changes.

Wealth gap | Brecha de riqueza

Significant difference in the amount of wealth owned by different groups in a society.

Wealth redistribution | Redistribución de la riqueza

Transfer of income and wealth from some individuals or groups to others through social mechanisms.

Healthcare Access and Equity

Healthcare Access and Equity | Acceso y Equidad en la Atención Médica

Ensuring equal access to quality healthcare, including mental health services, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Ancestral health knowledge | Saberes ancestrales en salud

Recognition and appreciation of the traditional health knowledge of indigenous and minority communities.

Awareness campaigns | Campañas de concientización

Initiatives to educate about inequalities in the health system.

Calls to action | Llamados a la acción

Specific ways readers can support health equity.

Care crisis | Crisis de cuidado

Situation where a community's basic health needs are not being met by the current system.

Change narratives | Narrativas de cambio

Stories that show progress and positive changes in healthcare access.

Collective healing | Sanación colectiva

Community approach to addressing trauma and mental health from a social justice perspective.

Community health power | Poder comunitario en salud

Capacity of communities to organize and demand better health services.

Community resources | Recursos comunitarios

Guides and directories of accessible health services.

Community voices | Voces comunitarias

Direct perspectives and experiences of community members about the health system.

Faces of inequality | Rostros de la desigualdad

Profiles that humanize healthcare inequality statistics.

Health activism | Activismo en salud

Actions and movements that fight to improve access to and quality of health services for all.

Healthcare without borders | Salud sin fronteras

Initiatives that seek to eliminate geographic and social barriers in healthcare access.

Impact stories | Historias de impacto

Real testimonies showing how lack of access to healthcare affects communities.

Language justice in healthcare | Justicia lingüística en salud

Right to receive medical information and services in the patient's preferred language.

Local solutions | Soluciones locales

Successful community projects that improve access to healthcare.

Medical resistance | Resistencia médica

Movements that challenge inequities and discrimination in the traditional health system.

Medicine for all | Medicina para todos

Movement that promotes universal access to essential medicines and treatments at fair prices.

Myths and realities | Mitos y realidades

Clarification of misconceptions about healthcare access.

Patient advocates | Defensores de pacientes

People who work to protect patients' rights and ensure they receive fair and adequate medical care.

Patient dignity | Dignidad del paciente

Fundamental right to receive medical care with respect and consideration, regardless of social or economic circumstances.

Patient rights | Derechos del paciente

Information about basic rights in the healthcare system.

Practical guides | Guías prácticas

Step-by-step information for navigating the healthcare system.

Right to health | Derecho a la salud

Fundamental human right to receive quality medical care without discrimination.

Underserved communities | Comunidades desatendidas

Groups that face significant barriers to accessing basic health services.

Reproductive Rights and Justice

Reproductive Rights and Justice | Derechos Reproductivos y Justicia

Protecting and expanding access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion rights, contraception, and comprehensive sex education.

Abortion access | Acceso al aborto

The ability to obtain safe, legal, affordable, and timely abortion services without unnecessary barriers or restrictions.

Abortion ban | Prohibición del aborto

Laws that partially or completely restrict access to abortion services.

Abortion rights | Derechos al aborto

Legal protections ensuring people have the right to choose whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy.

Access barriers | Barreras de acceso

Obstacles that prevent obtaining reproductive health services, including costs, location, and stigma.

Bodily autonomy | Autonomía corporal

Right to make decisions about one's own body and reproductive health without coercion or interference.

Comprehensive reproductive health | Salud reproductiva integral

Complete access to sexual and reproductive health services throughout life, including abortion care, contraception, prenatal

care, and more.

Comprehensive sex education | Educación sexual integral

Educational programs that cover all aspects of sexuality and reproductive health.

Culturally sensitive care | Atención culturalmente sensible

Reproductive health services that respect cultural traditions and values.

Family planning | Planificación familiar

Access to information and services to make reproductive decisions.

Forced pregnancy | Embarazo forzado

Condition where someone is compelled to continue an unwanted pregnancy due to legal restrictions, coercion, or lack of access to abortion services.

Informed consent | Consentimiento informado

Right to receive complete information to make decisions about reproductive health.

Legal abortion | Aborto legal

Termination of pregnancy that is permitted under the law and performed by qualified healthcare providers.

Maternal rights | Derechos maternos

Protections and rights during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Medication abortion | Aborto con medicamentos

Termination of pregnancy using prescribed medications instead of surgical procedures.

Menstrual equity | Equidad menstrual

Universal access to menstrual products and education.

Obstetric violence | Violencia obstétrica

Physical or psychological mistreatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Reproductive coercion | Coerción reproductiva

When someone interferes with another person's reproductive autonomy through manipulation, threats, or force.

Reproductive discrimination | Discriminación reproductiva

Unfair treatment based on reproductive decisions or status.

Reproductive freedom | Libertad reproductiva

The right to decide whether and when to have children without government interference or restriction.

Reproductive justice | Justicia reproductiva

Movement that connects reproductive health with social justice and human rights, focusing on the right to have children, not have children, and parent children in safe and sustainable communities.

Reproductive rights advocates | Defensores de derechos reproductivos

Activists who fight to protect and expand reproductive rights, including abortion access.

Reproductive stigma | Estigma reproductivo

Social discrimination related to reproductive health decisions, particularly around abortion care.

Safe abortion | Aborto seguro

Termination of pregnancy performed by trained healthcare providers in sanitary conditions, as opposed to unsafe abortions that endanger health.

Immigration Rights and Reform

Immigration Rights and Reform | Derechos y Reforma Migratoria

Protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees while pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.

Criminalization of migrants | Criminalización del migrante

Policies and practices that treat migration as a criminal act.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) | DACA

Program protecting undocumented youth who arrived in childhood.

Dreamers | Dreamers

Young immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Essential workers | Trabajadores esenciales

Immigrants who perform work fundamental to society.

Family reunification | Reunificación familiar

Legal process allowing separated families to reunite across borders.

Family separation | Separación familiar

Practice of separating migrant families during immigration processes or deportation.

Immigrant advocates | Defensores de inmigrantes

Individuals and organizations fighting for immigrant community rights.

Immigration justice | Justicia migratoria

Movement seeking equity and dignity for all migrants.

Immigration legal defense | Defensa legal migratoria

Accessible legal services for immigration cases.

Migration trauma | Trauma migratorio

Psychological and emotional impact of the migration experience.

Mixed-status family | Generación mixta

Families where members have different immigration statuses.

Political asylum | Asilo político

Protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution in their countries of origin.

Raids | Redadas

Surprise operations by immigration authorities to detain undocumented individuals.

Remittances | Remesas

Money that migrant workers send to their families in their countries of origin.

Sanctuary | Santuario

Places or cities that limit their cooperation with immigration authorities to protect immigrants.

Support network | Red de apoyo

Communities and organizations providing resources and help to immigrants.

Undocumented | Sin papeles

Preferred term over "illegal" for individuals without official immigration status.

Xenophobia | Xenofobia

Discrimination or prejudice against people from other countries.

Criminal Justice Reform

Criminal Justice Reform | Reforma de Justicia Penal

Addressing systemic issues in the criminal justice system, including mass incarceration and police brutality.

Alternatives to incarceration | Alternativas al encarcelamiento

Programs offering different options than prison.

Cash bail | Fianza monetaria

System requiring payment for pre-trial freedom.

Community oversight | Vigilancia comunitaria

Direct participation of community members in supervising and reforming local police practices.

Community policing | Vigilancia comunitaria

Strategy emphasizing collaboration between police and community.

Criminalization of poverty | Criminalización de la pobreza

Policies that penalize conditions associated with poverty.

Decriminalization | Despenalización

Reducing or eliminating criminal penalties for certain acts.

Detainee rights | Derechos de los detenidos

Basic legal protections for people in police custody.

Independent oversight | Supervisión Independiente

Civilian oversight of police actions and the judicial system.

Judicial discrimination | Discriminación judicial

Unequal treatment in the justice system based on race, class, or gender.

Juvenile justice | Justicia juvenil

Special system for youth in conflict with the law, focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Mass incarceration | Encarcelamiento masivo

System that disproportionately incarcerates minorities and marginalized communities.

Police brutality | Brutalidad policial

Excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.

Police reform | Reforma policial

Systematic changes in police practices and policies for greater accountability.

Police trauma | Trauma policial

Psychological and emotional impact on communities affected by systematic police violence or harassment.

Public defenders | Defensores públicos

Lawyers assigned to represent people who cannot afford legal representation, often overloaded with cases.

Racial profiling | Perfil racial

Discriminatory practice of targeting police actions based on race or ethnicity.

Restorative justice | Justicia restaurativa

Approach that seeks to repair harm caused by crime through reconciliation.

Sentencing reform | Reforma de sentencias

Movement to change policies resulting in excessively long or disproportionate sentences.

Social reintegration | Reintegración social

Process of supporting former inmates' return to the community.

Education Equity

Education Equity | Equidad Educativa

Ensuring equal access to quality education, addressing disparities in educational resources and outcomes.

Classroom discrimination | Discriminación en el aula

Unequal treatment of students based on ethnicity, socioeconomic level, or gender.

Free school supplies | Útiles escolares gratuitos

Programs providing basic materials to guarantee access to education.

Indigenous education | Educación indígena

Programs that respect and preserve indigenous languages and cultures in education.

Poverty dropout | Deserción por pobreza

School abandonment due to family economic needs.

Right to education | Derecho a la educación

Fundamental right to receive public, free, and quality education.

Rural schools | Escuelas rurales

Educational centers in remote communities that frequently lack basic resources.

School community kitchens | Comedores comunitarios escolares

Spaces that guarantee meals for low-income students.

School scholarships | Becas escolares

Financial support for low-income students to continue their studies.

Digital Rights and Internet Access

Digital Rights and Internet Access | Derechos Digitales y Acceso a Internet

Protecting online privacy and freedom of expression, and promoting equitable access to digital technologies.

Digital censorship | Censura digital

Restriction or control of content and communication online.

Digital divide | Brecha digital

Inequality in access to technology and internet between different social groups.

Digital inclusion | Inclusión digital

Efforts to ensure that all communities have access to technology.

Digital literacy | Alfabetización digital

Skills needed to use digital technology effectively and safely.

Digital surveillance | Vigilancia digital

Monitoring of online activities that can threaten civil rights.

Net neutrality | Neutralidad de la red

Principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally.

Online privacy | Privacidad en línea

Right to protect personal information in digital spaces.

Rural connectivity | Conectividad rural

Internet access in communities far from urban centers.

Universal access | Acceso universal

Fundamental right to have connection to internet and digital technologies.

Web accessibility | Accesibilidad web

Design of websites usable by people with different abilities.

Gender Equality and Women's Rights

Gender Equality and Women's Rights | Igualdad de Género y Derechos de las Mujeres

Promoting equal rights and opportunities for all genders, combating gender-based violence and discrimination.

Domestic violence | Violencia doméstica

Abuse that occurs in the context of intimate or family relationships.

Female empowerment | Empoderamiento femenino

Process of strengthening women's autonomy and decision-making power.

Femicide | Feminicidio

Murder of women because of their gender.

Gender parity | Paridad de género

Balanced representation of genders in power and decision-making spaces.

Gender-based violence | Violencia de género

Violence directed against a person because of their gender.

Glass ceiling | Techo de cristal

Invisible barriers that prevent women's professional advancement.

Machismo | Machismo

Attitudes and behaviors of discrimination based on the belief in male superiority.

Maternal rights | Derechos maternos

Protections for working and pregnant mothers.

Not One Less | Ni Una Menos

Movement against gender-based violence in Latin America.

Sexual harassment | Acoso sexual

Unwanted sexual conduct that creates a hostile environment.

Sisterhood | Sororidad

Solidarity among women in their struggle for equality.

Street harassment | Acoso callejero

Forms of harassment women face in public spaces.

Support network | Red de apoyo

Communities and organizations that support survivors of gender-based violence.

Wage gap | Brecha salarial

Difference in pay between men and women for the same work.

Workplace equity | Equidad laboral

Equal opportunities and treatment in the work environment.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality

LGBTQ+ Rights and Equality | Derechos e Igualdad LGBTQ+

Promoting equal rights, protections, and social acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

Allies | Aliados

People who actively support LGBTQ+ rights.

Chosen family | Familia elegida

Non-biological family bonds created within LGBTQ+ communities, especially important for those rejected by their families of origin.

Cisgender | Cisgénero

Person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Coming out | Salir del clóset

Process of disclosing one's sexual orientation or gender identity to others.

Diverse families | Familias diversas

Recognition of different LGBTQ+ family structures.

Gender affirming care | Atención de afirmación de género

Healthcare services that affirm and support a person's gender identity, including psychological support, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures.

Gender binary | Binarismo de género

Social system that categorizes people into only two genders (masculine and feminine) based on biological sex.

Gender dysphoria | Disforia de género

Psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one's assigned gender at birth and one's gender identity.

Gender expression | Expresión de género

Way a person expresses their gender identity through behavior, clothing, hair, voice, or body characteristics.

Gender identity | Identidad de género

Personal sense of one's own gender.

Gender-inclusive language | Lenguaje inclusivo de género

Language that avoids bias toward a particular sex or gender, including gender-neutral options.

Hate crimes | Crímenes de odio

Violence specifically directed against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Heteronormativity | Heteronormatividad

Belief system that assumes heterosexuality as the norm and promotes traditional gender roles.

Homophobia | Homofobia

Discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ people.

LGBTQ+ healthcare | Salud LGBTQ+

Access to inclusive and specialized medical services.

LGBTQ+ Pride | Orgullo LGBTQ+

Celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and rights struggle.

LGBTQ+ visibility | Visibilidad LGBTQ+

Positive representation in media and public spaces.

Marriage equality | Matrimonio igualitario

Legal right to marriage between people of the same gender.

Misgendering | Malgenerar

Referring to someone using language (especially pronouns) that does not align with their gender identity.

Non-binary | No binario

Gender identity that falls outside the traditional male-female binary.

Pronouns | Pronombres

Words used to refer to a person in place of their name (he/him, she/her, they/them, elle in Spanish, etc.) that reflect their gender identity.

Queer | Queer

Umbrella term for sexual and gender identities that are not exclusively heterosexual or cisgender.

Safe spaces | Espacios seguros

Places where LGBTQ+ people can express themselves freely without discrimination.

Sexual diversity | Diversidad sexual

Recognition and respect for different sexual orientations and gender identities.

Sexual orientation | Orientación sexual

Pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to men, women, both genders, neither gender, or another gender.

Trans rights | Derechos trans

Specific protections for transgender and non-binary people.

Transgender | Transgénero

Person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transition | Transición

Process of changing one's gender presentation and/or sex characteristics to align with one's internal sense of gender identity.

Transphobia | Transfobia

Fear, hatred, disbelief, or mistrust of transgender people or those who are perceived as transgender.

Workplace discrimination | Discriminación laboral

Unfair treatment at work based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

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This glossary is a living document that evolves alongside language and social movements. If you have suggestions for additional terms, alternative definitions, or corrections, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here.