PROUD WORDS

If a LGBTIQA+ person shares information about their gender, sexuality, or body with you – you may be the only person they have told. It’s important to ask if this information needs to remain private. Listening without judgment and offering reassurance you are a safe person to share this information with is an important first step to support. On the other hand, someone might be sharing their pride and inviting you into the celebration of who they are. Try not to make assumptions about where someone is at when they tell you, by asking, “how are you feeling about this?” Offer your support by asking, “is there any way I can support you?”

Learning about respectful and inclusive language is a great starting place to build your confidence and help other people feel proud. This can include gender neutral language or language that is inclusive of all genders, understanding the importance of pronouns and using language that doesn’t make assumptions about someone’s body, gender or sexuality.

LGBTIQA+ is an acronym of terms that describes identities and experiences of diverse sexualities, genders, and those with innate variations of sex characteristics. The + acknowledges that some people relate to these terms and others might not, and that the acronym is sure to change again and again as our communities discover other diverse and affirming language to describe ourselves

LGBTIQA+ stands for; Lesbian, Gay, Bi+ and Bisexual, Transgender, including Gender diverse and Non-binary, Intersex, Queer and Questioning, Asexual, Aromatic and Agender + plus other identities and experiences.

It’s great to come together with LGBTIQA+ communities at times of celebration and visibility like Mardi Gras, but LGBTIQA+ people are everywhere, and part of every community all the time including our families, friends, schools, workplaces, clubs and faith-based groups. Many LGBTIQA+ people face barriers in their day-to-day life, particularly in marginalised communities. This, alongside harmful misinformation in the media, political debate, and instances of discrimination (including unintended microaggressions) can all be very impactful.

There are many ways you can be an ally. Being an ally means you’ve learned about LGBTIQA+ communities and have some understanding of the realities of LGBTIQA+ people, without the lived experiences of a LGBTIQA+ person. No one expects you to be an expert! Allies can be great advocates and support networks. Some of the ways you can become an ally is by reading more of our resources, learning about days of significance for LGBTIQA+ people, signing and sharing petitions, practicing using language that is inclusive of all genders, and building your confidence to intervene when you witness instances of discrimination. Does your school or workplace have all gender bathrooms? What about policies to support and protect LGBTIQA+ people? Could you update an intake form to make it more inclusive of sexuality, gender and bodily diversity?

Using someone’s correct pronouns is an important part of making them feel affirmed. Common pronouns are she/her and he/him. An example of gender neutral pronouns is they/them, which might be used by someone whose gender is non-binary, agender, genderqueer or genderfluid. Sharing your own pronouns when you’re introducing yourself is a good way to show someone that they are welcome to share theirs. Try it at home or work by saying, ‘Hi, my name is XXX and I use XXX pronouns. What are your pronouns?’. It’s that easy!

Some examples of gender-neutral language can include;

Saying ‘parents’ or ‘siblings’ instead of ‘mum, dad, brother, sister’; ‘partner’ or ‘spouse’ instead of ‘husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend’; using terms like ‘everyone’ or ‘you all’ instead of ‘guys’ or ‘esteemed guests’ rather than ‘ladies and gentlemen’.