Lately there has been some discussion about terminology as it applied to the transgender community. There are current terms, out-of-date terms, inaccurate terms, etc. As far as this site is concerned, this subject may take on the appearance of a more official post in the future, but for the time being, a good reference is a Media Reference Guide put out by the GLAAD organization.
https://www.glaad.org/reference#guide
About 1/3 of the way down the page there are 2 glossaries listed:
LGBTQ Terms
Transgender Terms
Both lists have terms and definitions, but since this is directed at journalists, there are items labeled Terms To Avoid and corresponding Best Practices. This is particularly helpful because it gives us the information as to why some items have fallen out of favor and what to substitute.
A good place for correct usage to start is here within the transgender community itself. We often talk about how important it is for us to exude an attitude that is in keeping with out target gender when we are out in public. No one will believe we are who we are unless we posses that attitude. It must start with us.
Similarly, when we talk about ourselves and the transgender community in general in public, it is important for us to use the correct terminology. Seeing as how information and correct terminology in the media is hit and miss at best, we must be consistent and correct.
So, after you have had a look at the list, what is your reaction? Will it change something for you in the future?
Outstanding DeeAnn. Last I checked, you can never have too much information. The more you know, the better prepared you are in facing the challenges you face from time to time. What you learn up front allows you time to formulate your own thoughts and ideas so you can have a more constructive and thoughtful discussion with others. Hugs, Michelle
Basically I didn’t like the direction of that other thread. What I really like about what GLAAD did was their explanations of obsolete and incorrect terms. That should help to head off a lot of silly questions.
Has anyone found anything that they disagree with?
