Subsection 6.2.5 Language Toward LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
LGBTQ+ spans a wide and complicated range of sexual orientations, gender identities, and diverse bodies. The acronym itself stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning and others. Even this list does not cover the full range of identities represented by the acronym— indeed, some advocate for an extended LGBTQQIAP2S, which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, and Two-Spirit. Other terms for the community of people who do not identify within the dominant forms of sexuality and gender (heterosexuality or cisgenderism) include GSM (Gender and Sexuality Minorities) or GSD (Gender and Sexuality Diverse). These last two terms, in particular, indicate that members of this community do not all identify as one particular identity at all times; many individuals within the community choose not to identify or to identify as fluid. The amorphous nature of the name portends the difficulty writers may have when referring to individuals within the community: the language of the LGBTQ+ community is ever-evolving, so it may not always be clear to you which term to use. To be as respectful and inclusive as possible, you may want to use people-first language (for example, saying “a person who is Queer” rather than “a Queer person”). To learn more about deciding when to use people-first language, read Section 6.1. What follows is a list of basic terms and definitions that describe diverse genders and sexualities.