Description
Think about the articles you read regarding whether or not the word “ally” should be included in the LGBTQIA+ acronym and answer the following questions: (300 words per question)
1- List 1 reason why you think the LGBTQIA+ acronym should include ally
2- List 1 reason why you think LGBTQIA+ acronym should not include ally
3- Do you think A should include ally? Explain your reasoning
Discussion Post Guidelines
Length. Each answer should be approximately 300 words in length. For example, if your Discussion 2 assignment requires you to answer 2 discussion questions, your entry for that week should be 600 words in length total (at least 300 words for each of the 2 questions for that week)
Comprehension. Demonstrate an understanding and application of the course readings and any other outside reading you may choose to use to answer the question.
References. You MUST cite using at least 1 citation per question: • All discussion postings are expected to integrate information from at least one of the readings, class materials, and/or from an outside empirical or reputable news source. You should cite both within the text and provide a full reference at the bottom of your post.
Responses. In addition to your post, you have responded to two other posts by classmates
Unformatted Attachment Preview
AN ALLY’S GUIDE TO
TERMINOLOGY
Talking About LGBT People & Equality
INTRODUCTION
The words we use to talk about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and issues can have a powerful impact
on our conversations. The right words can help open people’s hearts and minds, while others can create distance or confusion.
For example, the abbreviation “LGBT” is commonly used within the movement for lesbian, gay, bi and transgender equality,
but it can be confusing and alienating to people who don’t understand what it means (for many media and mainstream
audiences, the term gay and transgender is more accessible without being overwhelming).
Designed for new allies who want to support LGBT Americans but often face an array of confusing terminology and language,
this short guide offers an overview of essential vocabulary, terms to avoid, and a few key messages for talking about various
issues. The Talking About LGBT Issues series, available online at www.lgbtmap.org/talking-about-lgbt-issues-series and
www.glaad.org/talkingabout, provides additional recommendations and resources.
GAY, LESBIAN & BI
Terms to Use
•• gay (adj.)
•• lesbian (n. or adj.)
•• bi (adj.)
•• bisexual (adj., if
needed on first
reference for
clarity)
•• being gay
Usage Examples
“gay people”
“gay man/men”
“lesbian couple”
Terms to Avoid
•• “homosexual”
•• “gay” (n.) (as in, “He
is a gay.”)
“bi men and women”
“He is gay.” / ”She is a
lesbian.” / “He is bi.”
“She talked about
being gay.”
(on first reference,
if needed for
clarity)
“a person’s
orientation”
“Sexual orientation
can be a complex
topic. A person’s
orientation is…”
•• “homosexuality”
•• “lesbianism”
•• “That’s so gay.” (a
•• “sexual preference”
•• “gay lifestyle”
•• “homosexual
lifestyle”
•• “same-sex
attractions”
•• “sexual identity”
•• gay and transgender
•• lesbian, gay,
bisexual and
transgender (if
needed for clarity)
•• openly gay
“laws that protect
gay and transgender
people”
“She is openly lesbian.”
/ “He is openly bi.”
Gay is an adjective, not a noun; it is sometimes used
as a shorthand term encompassing gay, lesbian
and bisexual orientations (though not transgender
people or gender identity). Also, while many lesbians
may identify as gay, the term lesbian(s) is clearer
when talking only about a woman or women.
Anti-gay activists often use words like “homosexual”
to stigmatize gay people by reducing their lives to
purely sexual terms.
hurtful slur)
•• orientation
•• sexual orientation
Explanation
•• “LGBT” (when talking with those who
are unfamiliar with
the issues or not
yet supportive)
•• “admitted he was
gay”
Talking about a person’s “homosexuality” can, in
some cases, reduce the life of that person to purely
sexual terms. Talk about being gay instead.
The term “lesbianism” is considered pejorative.
The term “sexual preference” is used by anti-gay
activists to suggest that being gay is a choice, and
therefore can be changed or “cured.” Similarly, the
term “gay lifestyle” is used to stigmatize gay people
and suggest that their lives should be viewed only
through a sexual lens. Just as one would not talk
about a “straight lifestyle,” don’t talk about a “gay
lifestyle.”
Reference sexual orientation and gender identity
when talking about issues pertaining to both. (See
Transgender on the next page for more information.)
The abbreviation “LGBT” can be confusing and
alienating for those who are unfamiliar with the
issues or not yet supportive—though it is essential
when talking to LGBT and strongly supportive
audiences. Use the term that allows your audience
to stay focused on the message without creating
confusion about your intended meaning.
The term “admitted” suggests prior deception or that
being gay is shameful.
TRANSGENDER
The term transgender refers to people whose gender identity (the sense of gender that every person feels inside) or gender
expression is different from the sex that was assigned to them at birth. At some point in their lives, transgender people
decide they must live their lives as the gender they have always known themselves to be, and often transition to living as
that gender.
Terms to Use
•• transgender (adj.)
Usage Examples
“transgender person”
“transgender
advocate”
“transgender
inclusion”
Terms to Avoid
•• “transgendered”
•• “a transgender” (n.)
•• “transgenders” (n.)
•• “transvestite”
•• “tranny”
Explanation
Transgender is an adjective, not a noun. Be careful
not to call someone “a transgender.” Do not add an
unnecessary “-ed” to the term (“transgendered”),
which connotes a condition of some kind. Never
use the term “transvestite” to describe a transgender
person.
The shorthand trans is often used within the LGBT
community, but may not be understood by general
audiences.
Always use a transgender person’s chosen name. Also,
a person who identifies as a certain gender should
be referred to using pronouns consistent with that
gender. When it isn’t possible to ask what pronoun
a person would prefer, use the pronoun that is
consistent with the person’s appearance and gender
expression.
•• gender identity
•• gender expression
“Everyone should
be treated fairly,
regardless of gender
identity or expression.”
•• “sexual identity”
(the correct term is
gender identity)
•• “transgender identity” (use gender
identity to refer to
a person’s internal
sense of gender)
•• transition
“She began
transitioning last year.”
•• “sex change”
•• “sex-change
operation”
•• “pre-operative” /
“post-operative”
•• “pre-op” / ”post-op”
Not everyone who is transgender identifies that
way; many transgender people simply identify as
male or female. Also, note that gender identity (one’s
internal sense of gender) and gender expression (how
a person outwardly expresses their gender) are not
interchangeable terms.
Transition is the accurate term that does not fixate
on surgeries, which many transgender people do
not or cannot undergo. Terms like “pre-op” or “postop” unnecessarily fixate on a person’s anatomy and
should be avoided.
OVERVIEW: TALKING ABOUT EQUALITY FOR LGBT PEOPLE
Effective conversations about LGBT issues frame those issues in authentic, emotionally compelling ways that resonate with
people’s values.
When conversations about equality are rooted in the common ground we share, it’s difficult to cast LGBT people as being
“other,” “different” or “not like me.” It also makes it more difficult for Americans to ignore or dismiss the harms and injustices
that LGBT people face.
When talking about equality for LGBT people:
•• Use the language of common values, beliefs, hopes and dreams.
•• Make it about people and their stories, not policies.
•• Remind people that LGBT people are everyday Americans who live ordinary lives. Gay and transgender people are
neighbors, coworkers and friends who also walk the dog, mow the lawn, shop for groceries, etc.
For example: “This is about everyday Americans who want the same chance as everyone else to pursue health and happiness, earn
a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love.”
For more information, see Talking About LGBT Issues: Overall Approaches, available at www.lgbtmap.org and www.glaad.org.
Terms to Use
•• fairly and equally
•• fairness and
equality
Usage Examples
“Everyone should be
treated fairly and
equally.”
“She supports fairness
and equality.”
Terms to Avoid
Explanation
•• “rights”
•• “civil rights”
•• “gay rights”
“Rights” language is generally unpersuasive with
most audiences, and civil rights comparisons can be
especially alienating to African Americans.
Avoid highly charged, argumentative terms like
“hate” and “bigotry,” which are likely to alienate
people. Instead, use language that is measured and
relatable to create empathy and a sense of how
rejecting attitudes and actions hurt LGBT people.
•• intolerance
•• rejection
•• exclusion
•• unfairness
•• hurtfulness
“This is the kind of
exclusion and intolerance that divides our
community.”
•• “hate” / “haters” /
“Rejection by one’s
family can be the most
hurtful of all.”
•• “prejudice”
•• anti-gay activists
•• far-right activists
“the hurtful rhetoric of
anti-gay activists”
•• “religious extremists/
“hatred”
•• “bigot” / ”bigots” /
“bigotry”
extremism”
•• “anti-gay Christians”
Avoid language that unfairly paints an entire
religious tradition or denomination as being antigay or extremist.
TALKING ABOUT MARRIAGE FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES
In conversations about marriage for same-sex couples, it is important to:
•• Focus on the values of marriage and what marriage is about: loving, committed couples who want to make a lifelong
promise to take care of and be responsible for each other, for better and for worse.
•• Help people understand and grapple with how same-sex couples are hurt when they are shut out of marriage—and
help people think about how they would feel if someone told them that they couldn’t marry the person they love.
•• Remind people of how our shared beliefs—particularly in the Golden Rule, freedom, and not sitting in judgment of
others—are at the heart of people’s journeys toward supporting marriage.
•• Don’t be drawn into debating opponents’ fear-based strategies. Instead, keep the conversation focused on why
marriage matters—to you, and to the people you know and love.
For more information, see An Ally’s Guide to Talking About Marriage for Same-Sex Couples, available at www.lgbtmap.org,
www.glaad.org and www.freedomtomarry.org.
Terms to Use
•• marriage
•• exclusion from
marriage
•• denial of marriage
Usage Examples
“Denying
someone
the chance at happiness that comes with
being married—just
because they’re gay—
seems hurtful to me.”
Terms to Avoid
•• “gay marriage”
•• “same-sex marriage”
“I believe in treating
others the way I want
to be treated. I wouldn’t
want anyone to tell me
that I couldn’t marry
the person I love–and I
don’t want to do that to
anyone else.”
•• love, commitment,
responsibility,
promise
•• taking care of the
one you love
“Marriage is about
loving,
committed
couples who want
to make a lifelong
promise to take care
of and be responsible
for each other, in good
times and bad.
Explanation
Gay couples and straight couples want to marry for
similar reasons, and they seek to join the institution
of marriage as it currently exists. Just as it would be
inappropriate to call the marriage of two older adults
“elder marriage,” it is inappropriate to call the marriage
of a same-sex couple “gay marriage” or “same-sex
marriage.” If additional clarity is needed, use marriage
for same-sex (or gay/gay and lesbian) couples.
Also, while the term “marriage equality” can be
helpful when talking with those who are supportive
of marriage for same-sex couples, it can create
confusion and barriers to understanding for other
audiences. When possible, simply talk about
marriage, without modifiers.
•• “marriage rights”
•• “marriage benefits”
There is sometimes a misperception that gay couples
only marry for “rights” and “benefits.” To avoid
this, focus on the values of love, commitment and
responsibility that gay couples bring to marriage,
and the importance of a couple being able to take
care of and be there for each other.
Also, focus on how gay and straight couples alike
share similar hopes and dreams for marriage. But
instead of taking shortcuts by using phrases like
“exactly the same” or “just the same,” spend time
exploring the common ground and values (like
commitment, responsibility and love) that we share.
Note: These approaches for talking about marriage can also be helpful in talking about other forms of relationship recognition, such as
domestic partnerships or civil unions. However, note that in many states that allow domestic partnerships, same-sex couples have been
barred from a dying partner’s bedside and denied the ability to say goodbye to the person they love. That just doesn’t happen when a
couple is married, and it’s one of the reasons why marriage matters to gay and straight couples alike.
TALKING ABOUT NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS
When talking about non-discrimination laws that protect LGBT people from being unjustly fired from their jobs, remind
people of our common, shared values:
•• Fair and equal treatment, for everyone (“All residents should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our city/state.”)
•• The importance of hard work and the chance to earn a living (“All hardworking people in our city/state, including gay and
transgender people, should have the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. Nobody should have
to live in fear that they can be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.”)
For more information, see Talking About Inclusive Employment Protections and Talking About Transgender-Inclusive NonDiscrimination Laws, available at www.lgbtmap.org and www.glaad.org.
Terms to Use
•• employment/
workplace/housing
protections
•• treating people
fairly and equally
Usage Examples
Terms to Avoid
“This law protects highperforming
workers
from being unfairly
fired just because
they’re gay or transgender.”
•• “rights”
•• “employment/
“All residents of our
state should be treated
fairly and equally.”
•• “fighting
housing rights”
discrimination”
Explanation
Talking about “rights” in this context can make
people think about opponents’ false claims about
“special rights.” It can also make people resistant to
the idea of non-discrimination protections.
There is a difference between referring to nondiscrimination laws (a term that accurately describes
these kinds of laws) and talking about “fighting
discrimination,” which is generally unpersuasive and
can lead to polarized, partisan reactions.
TALKING ABOUT OPEN MILITARY SERVICE
When talking about open military service:
•• Focus on how open military service—and ending the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ban—supports a strong national defense.
•• Talk about the shared values that open military service—and military service itself—embodies.
For the latest updates on the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, visit Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org).
For more information, see Talking About Ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, available at www.lgbtmap.org and www.glaad.org.
Terms to Use
•• open military
service (or open
service)
•• gay (or gay and
lesbian) service
members/troops/
personnel
•• service, duty,
courage, sacrifice,
patriotism, honor,
integrity
Usage Examples
Terms to Avoid
“Strong majorities of
Americans
support
open military service
for gay and lesbian
personnel.”
•• “gays in the military”
•• “soldiers” (when
“Open military service
is about serving one’s
country with honor
and integrity.”
•• “rights”
•• “equality”
broadly referring to
the troops)
Explanation
The term “soldiers” applies only to personnel serving
in the U.S. Army. Use service members, troops,
personnel or military personnel to describe those
serving throughout our nation’s armed forces.
Also, note that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and its repeal do
not apply to transgender people, who remain barred
from service by other regulations.
In conversations about military service, talk about
the ideas and ideals that Americans associate with
our nation’s armed forces. Don’t talk about “rights”
in conversations about open military service, which
is really about service, duty, courage, sacrifice,
patriotism, honor and integrity.
TALKING ABOUT PARENTING & ADOPTION
When engaging in conversations about adoption and parenting:
•• Focus on the best interests of children, using the language of everyday family life. Emphasize how caring LGBT parents
can provide children with the love, stability, protection, security and guidance they need to succeed.
•• If talking about a proposed ban on adoption by gay parents, focus on three key points:
1. Adoption decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis based on what is in the best interests of the child.
2. Experienced child health and social service authorities should make adoption decisions.
3. All mainstream child authorities and peer-reviewed research on parenting support adoption by gay parents.
•• Remember that research shows that children of gay parents do just fine. There’s a large and growing body of peerreviewed research that examines outcomes for children raised by gay parents. This research consistently concludes that
being raised by gay or lesbian parents has no adverse effects on children, and that kids of gay parents are just as healthy
and well-adjusted as other children. Also, nearly every credible authority on child health and social services (including the
American Academy of Pediatrics and the Child Welfare League of America) has determined that a person’s orientation has
nothing to do with the ability to be a good parent.
For more information, see Talking About Adoption & Gay Parents, available at www.lgbtmap.org and www.glaad.org.
Terms to Use
•• adoption by lov-
ing, caring parents
•• adoption by gay
(or lesbian and
gay) parents
•• two moms, two
Usage Examples
Terms to Avoid
“We shouldn’t prevent
kids in need of forever
homes from being
adopted by loving,
caring parents who
happen to be gay.”
•• “gay adoption”
•• “adoption by gay/
“This is about creating safe, stable homes
for children. It’s about
making sure that they
have the loving, nurturing environment
that allows them to
thrive and succeed.”
•• “rights”
•• “adoption rights”
same-sex couples”
Explanation
Always keep the focus on loving, caring parents.
Talking about parents rather than “couples” helps
emphasize what adoption means to kids—the
chance to find a forever home with loving parents.
dads
This is about:
•• the best interests
of children
•• taking care of
and providing for
children
•• providing children
Parenting and adoption are about providing security,
love and protection for kids. Discussions about
parenting and adoption should not focus on “rights”
—but rather on how loving, caring LGBT parents can
provide children with the love, stability, protection,
security and guidance they need to thrive and
succeed.
with love, security,
stability, and loving, forever homes
•• making adoption
decisions on a
case-by-case basis
based on the best
interests of the
child
ABOUT THIS SERIES
This is one in a series of documents on effectively talking about LGBT issues, also including: Overall Approaches, Inclusive Employment Protections, Inclusive
Hate Crimes Laws, Adoption & Gay Parents, Suicide & LGBT Populations, Ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Talking About LGBT Equality with African Americans,
Talking About LGBT Equality with Latinos, an Ally’s Guide to Talking About Marriage, and an Ally’s Guide to Talking About Transgender-Inclusive Non-Discrimination
Laws. For downloadable versions, visit www.lgbtmap.org/talking-about-lgbt-issues-series or www.glaad.org/talkingabout. © 2012 Movement Advancement Project (MAP).
2215 Market St. • Denver, CO 80205
720-274-3263
www.lgbtmap.org
104 West 29th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212-629-3322
www.glaad.org
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