Microaggression Types and Examples
Theme Microaggression Examples
Disability Assumption of inferiority
Misusing mental health terminology,
minimizing
Race Assumptions of intellectual inferiority
Color Blindness
Tokenism
Gender Assumptions of traditional gender roles
(e.g. when an individual assumes that a
woman needs to uphold traditional gender
roles)
LGBTQ+ Assumption of heterosexuality/cisgender
Religion Denigration of different religious groups
(e.g. when someone judges another
religion as being inferior or substandard).
Message
“The way you have overcome
your disability is inspiring.”
Speaking loudly or slowly to a
person with visual impairment.
“Don’t mind my OCD.”
“You’re so articulate.”
“You speak English so well.”
“When I see you, I don’t see
color.”
“What are you?”
“How’d you get your hair like
that?”
A person asks a woman her age
and, upon hearing she is 30,
looks quickly at her ring finger
and/or asking her when she plans
to have children.
Assuming that someone’s partner
is of the opposite sex to them.
Assuming pronouns.
Placing less/no value on non-
Christian holidays or traditions.
“It’s ridiculous that they are
A person with a disability is
defined as lesser in all aspects of
physical and mental functioning.
Disregards the impact of the
illness has on those diagnosed;
belittles the illness
POC are viewed as less intelligent
Denying the significance of racial/
ethnic experience and history of
POC
The person is outside of norm
Ethnic/racial identity makes the
person exotic
Women should be married
during child-bearing ages
because that is their primary
purpose.
LGBTQ+ people are very rare, not
normal. LGBTQ+ people are all
instantly identifiable.
Assimilate to dominant culture.
Leave your cultural baggage
outside. There is no room for
difference.
 Microaggression Types and Examples

fasting during exam time”.

POC = people of color