Stylebook on LGBTQ terminology - NLGJA
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nlgja: the association of lgbtq journalists
stylebook
stylebook on LGBTQ terminologyNLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists is a journalist-led
association working within the news media to advance fair and
accurate coverage of LGBTQ communities and issues. We promote
diverse and inclusive workplaces by holding the industry accountable
and providing education, professional development and mentoring.
Since its founding in 1990, the organization has grown to include more
than 800 members and 25 chapter organizations, including 10 student
chapters, in the United States.
The NLGJA Stylebook on LGBTQ Terminology is intended to
complement the prose stylebooks of individual publications, as well
as The Associated Press Stylebook, the leading stylebook in U.S.
newsrooms.
It reflects the association’s mission of inclusive coverage of LGBTQ
people, includes entries on words and phrases that have become
common and features greater detail for earlier entries.
The Stylebook will be continually updated and the latest version will
always be available at www.nlgja.org/stylebook.
2120 L Street NW | Suite 850 | Washington, DC 20037
www.nlgja.org | info@nlgja.orgstylebook
nlgja: the association of lgbtq journalists
stylebook on LGBTQ terminology
updated December 2020
Editors: Jeff McMillan and Sarah BlazuckiIntroduction
This stylebook seeks to be a guide on language and terminology to help
journalists cover LGBTQ subjects and issues with sensitivity and fairness,
without bias or judgment. Because language is always changing, this guide
is not definitive or fully inclusive. When covering the LGBTQ community,
we encourage you to use the language and terminology your subjects use.
They are the best source for how they would like to be identified.
acting, appearing closeted, in the closet
In general, avoid this term that Refers to people who wish to keep
assumes someone’s sexual their sexual orientation or gender
orientation or gender identity is identity secret.
deceptive, incongruous or ingenuine. See coming out.
Example: He was straight-acting.
coming out
AIDS Shorthand for coming out of the
See HIV/AIDS. closet. Accepting and letting others
know of one’s previously hidden
agender sexual orientation or gender identity.
See transgender. See closeted, outing.
ally commitment ceremony
A person who is not LGBTQ and A ceremony that is like a wedding
who actively supports LGBTQ but is not legally binding.
communities. See marriage and relationships.
See LGBT, LGBTQ.
“conversion therapy”
asexual The discredited practice of using
See LGBT, LGBTQ. psychological interventions to change
sexual orientation. Proponents may
bathroom bill also call it reparative therapy or
Avoid. sexual reorientation therapy. Always
See transgender. use quotation marks, and always
include the context that the practice
bisexual has been opposed by the American
See LGBT, LGBTQ. Psychological Association and other
groups of medical and mental health
breeder professionals, as well as banned by
Avoid this often-pejorative slang that several states.
refers to heterosexuals. See “ex-gay”.
cisgender cross-dresser
Refers to people whose gender Preferred term for people who wear
identity aligns with the sex and clothing most often associated with
gender assigned to them at birth. a different gender, and who describe
See transgender. themselves as such. Do not use
the obsolete term transvestite. Not
civil union synonymous with transgender or
See marriage and relationships. drag performer.
2 | Stylebook on LGBTQ Terminologycruising drag queen, female impersonator
Visiting places where opportunities Drag is the practice of dressing
exist to meet potential sex partners. and acting in styles typically
Not exclusively a gay practice. associated with another gender,
usually exaggeratedly so and for
DL entertainment value. Drag queens
Abbreviation for down low, which portray women and drag kings
refers to men who secretly have sex portray men. Drag performer is the
with men. Men on the down low or gender-neutral term.
on the DL may be in relationships
with women and not identify as gay Drag and impersonation are more
or bisexual. The term originated strongly determined by the nature of
among black men but has attained the costume and performance than
wider use. People usually won’t by the performer’s gender identity or
describe themselves as DL or down sex.
low, so use only in quotations or in
broad references. Drag is not synonymous with but
See MSM. is sometimes considered a type of
male or female impersonation, in
domestic partner which performances may be spoofs
See marriage and relationships. of a specific person or character or
may be more subdued than a drag
Don’t ask, don’t tell performance.
Shorthand for Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass, Not synonymous with transgender,
the military’s former policy on gay though some drag performers may
men, lesbians and bisexuals. Under identify as such, or with cross-dresser.
the policy, instituted in 1993 and See cross-dresser.
lifted in 2011, the military was not
to ask service members about their dressed as
sexual orientation; service members Avoid this phrase, which can assume
were not to tell others about their a person’s gender identity or be
orientation; and the military was not sensationalistic.
to pursue rumors about members’
sexual orientation. Sometimes dyke
abbreviated as DADT. Originally a pejorative term for
a lesbian, some lesbians have
down low reclaimed it. Offensive when used
See DL. as an epithet. Use only if the subject
uses it or in a quotation if there is a
compelling reason to do so.
See slurs.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 3“ex-gay” relevant, such as in stories about
Describes the movement or adoption or in-vitro fertilization.
adherents of a movement, mostly Mother and father are generally the
rooted in conservative religions, that proper terms for LGBTQ parents,
aims to change the sexual orientation but because of the blended nature
of gay, lesbian or bisexual people to of many families led by such parents,
straight. Use only in quotation marks, ask story subjects how they wish to
and always include the context that be identified.
the practice is widely discredited in See marriage and relationships.
scientific circles.
gay
fag, faggot See LGBT, LGBTQ; openly gay.
A pejorative term for a gay male.
Extremely offensive when used as an gay agenda
epithet. Use only in a quotation and if Politically charged term used by
there is a compelling reason. opponents that suggests LGBTQ
See slurs. activists have a unified, conspiratorial,
ulterior political motive. Best
false balance confined to quotations.
Including opposing views in a story
even when doing so is unnecessary GLAAD
or insensitive or would perpetuate An advocacy group that monitors
falsehoods, or assuming there are portrayals of LGBTQ people in the
only two sides to a story. Sometimes news media and entertainment. Once
called bothsidesism. Just as an acronym for the Gay & Lesbian
journalists should not default to Alliance Against Defamation, it now
giving doubters of the scientifically goes only by its initials, pronounced
established concept of climate “glad.” Do not confuse it with GLAD,
change a platform, they shouldn’t a different organization.
automatically give opponents of
LGBTQ rights a voice unless it GLAD
furthers the understanding of the Shorthand for the advocacy
issue or story. For instance, a story group GLBTQ Legal Advocates &
about LGBTQ-related legislation Defenders. GLAD is acceptable
should quote supporters, opponents on subsequent references. Do not
and possibly the indifferent. A story confuse with GLAAD, a different
about an LGBTQ awards ceremony, a organization.
hate crime or a person’s coming out
usually does not require opposing hermaphrodite
comment. Avoid this obsolete term.
See intersex.
families, parents
Differentiate families led by LGBTQ heterosexism
parents, and identify the parents’ Presumption that heterosexuality
sexual orientation or gender identity, is universal and/or superior to
only when relevant. Do not use gay homosexuality. Also, prejudice, bias
families or similar because it implies or discrimination based on such
all members of the family are LGBTQ. presumptions.
Mention genetic relationships or
conception techniques only when
4 | Stylebook on LGBTQ TerminologyHIV
Acceptable in all references for
HIV/AIDS human immunodeficiency virus, the
Since AIDS emerged in gay men virus that causes AIDS. HIV virus is
in the early 1980s, coverage of the redundant. HIV-positive means being
LGBTQ community has often been infected with HIV but not necessarily
intertwined with it and therefore is having AIDS; include the hyphen in
included in this style guide. all instances for HIV-positive and HIV-
negative.
Men who have sex with men
remain among the communities HIV/AIDS
most affected by HIV/AIDS, but Acceptable in all references to refer
many other demographics are collectively to HIV and AIDS and the
also disproportionately affected. conditions that can arise from them.
Moreover, HIV infection is now
considered a manageable condition, HIV disease
not the oft-repeated “death A term used by some HIV/
sentence” it once was. Coverage and AIDS doctors because there are
word choice should take these factors other types of acquired immune
into account. deficiencies caused by toxins or by
other diseases.
Some guidance on commonly used
terms in HIV/AIDS coverage follows: PEP
Shorthand for post-exposure
AIDS prophylaxis, a regimen of medication
Acceptable in all references for prescribed to HIV-negative people
acquired immune deficiency immediately after their exposure to
syndrome, a medical condition that HIV to stop infection.
compromises the human immune
system and makes the body PrEP
vulnerable to infections. Always Shorthand for pre-exposure
uppercase the S, which stands for prophylaxis, a regimen of medication
syndrome. It is caused by HIV, the prescribed to some HIV-negative
human immunodeficiency virus. gay men and other high-risk people
People may be HIV-positive but not to help prevent HIV infection if they
have AIDS. Do not use the term full- are exposed to the virus. PrEP refers
blown AIDS. For people who have to the regimen, not the medication
the condition, use terms like person itself: He is on PrEP, not He took his
or people with AIDS or, if the context PrEP with breakfast.
is medical, AIDS patients, instead of
terms such as sufferer or victim, which
imply powerlessness.
homo
Pejorative term for homosexual.
Use only if self-referential or in a
quotation if there is a compelling
reason.
See slurs.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 5homophobia Referring to LGBT or LGBTQ people
Fear, hatred or dislike of is usually more accurate than defining
homosexuality, gay men and/or it as one community.
lesbians. Similar terms are biphobia
for bisexuals and transphobia for There is not universal agreement
transgender people. Restrict to on a name. Just LGBT leaves out
relevant usage, such as in quotations, many people who define their sexual
opinions or broad references to orientation or gender identity in ways
the concept. Use LGBTQ rights that may be similar to but not the
opponents or similar instead of same as lesbians, gays, bisexuals and
homophobes when describing transgender people.
people who oppose LGBTQ people,
rights or activism. Some alternatives exist but may
be cumbersome or unfamiliar to
homosexual, homosexuality general audiences and could require
Avoid the obsolete term homosexual explanation. LGBTQ includes people
to refer to people. Homosexuality who identify as queer or who are
is acceptable when a noun is questioning their sexual orientation;
needed for the concept of same-sex LGBTQIA includes intersex and
attraction. The terms may be most asexual people.
useful when writing about scientific
research that uses the terminology to Organizations sometimes go with
describe sexual activity. LGBT+ to make sure everyone is
included.
Human Rights Campaign
An advocacy group that describes The current recommendation of
itself as the largest national lesbian, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ
gay, bisexual, transgender and Journalists is LGBTQ — as the
queer civil rights organization. Often organization’s name indicates — but
abbreviated as HRC. writers and organizations should
decide for themselves, based on
intersex their audience, whether more or less
See separate entry under LGBT, specificity is needed.
LGBTQ heading.
Details on some terms commonly
used, or misused, in news coverage
of LGBTQ people follow:
LGBT, LGBTQ
Acceptable in all references ally
for lesbian, gay, bisexual and Some organizations have intended
transgender or for lesbian, gay, ally — someone who is not LGBTQ
bisexual, transgender and queer and/ but who actively supports LGBTQ
or questioning. communities — as part of the A in
LGBTQIA, but be aware that some
It may be tempting for journalists people and organizations strongly
to refer to the LGBT community. In object to its inclusion.
reality, it is a broad and sometimes
loosely bound group of communities
comprising people from all races,
religions, cultures and walks of life.
6 | Stylebook on LGBTQ Terminologyasexual queer
As a noun or adjective, someone who Originally a pejorative term for gay,
doesn’t experience sexual attraction. now reclaimed by some LGBTQ
More closely associated with sexual people. Use with caution; still
orientation than with gender; not extremely offensive when used as an
synonymous with agender or gender epithet and still offensive to many
nonconforming. LGBTQ people regardless of intent.
Its use may require explanation.
bisexual Sometimes it is meant as an
No hyphen. As a noun, a person umbrella term synonymous with the
attracted to more than one gender. abbreviation LGBT and its variations.
As an adjective, of or relating to However, some people who call
attraction to more than one gender. themselves queer may do so because
Does not presume nonmonogamy. they find other labels inaccurate
Biphobia is the fear, hatred or dislike or restrictive, so the abbreviation
of bisexuality or bisexuals and may LGBTQ includes them. And some
be harbored by LGBTQ people, as straight people who identify with
well as heterosexuals. LGBTQ culture, such as children
of queer parents, call themselves
gay culturally queer.
Refers to men who are attracted to
other men. Do not use as a singular transgender
noun: Juan is gay, not Juan is a gay. See entries under separate
Acceptable in tight headlines and transgender heading.
in quotations to refer to gays and
lesbians.
See homosexual, lesbian.
lifestyle
intersex An inaccurate term sometimes used
People born with sex chromosomes, to describe the lives of gay, lesbian,
genitalia and/or a reproductive bisexual and transgender people.
system not considered standard for Sexual orientation may be part of a
either males or females. Parents and broader lifestyle but is not one in and
physicians usually determine the sex of itself, just as there is no “straight”
of the child and may elect surgery lifestyle.
or hormone treatment, a practice
many intersex adults seek to end. MSM
Avoid the obsolete, offensive term Abbreviation for men who have
hermaphrodite. sex with men. It is a behavioral and
public health category, used in a
lesbian medical or scientific context. Does
Preferred term, both as a noun not reference sexual identity and
and adjective, for women who are is not synonymous with gay and
attracted to other women. Some bisexual men.
women prefer to be called gay See DL.
instead of lesbian; when possible, ask
the subject which term she prefers.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 7Defense of Marriage Act
The 1996 U.S. law that limited
marriage and relationships federal marriage recognition to those
LGBTQ people use various terms to between one man and one woman;
describe their romantic and/or legal overturned in part by the 2013
commitments to another person, and Supreme Court case U.S. v. Windsor
they may vary by sexual orientation, and in full by the 2015 Supreme
gender identity or just personal Court case Obergefell v. Hodges.
preference. Write out on first reference; DOMA is
acceptable in subsequent references.
If possible, ask subjects which terms
they prefer. Some detailed guidance domestic partner
on terms relating to marriage and Unmarried partners who live
other relationships for same-sex together. Domestic partners may
couples follows: be of different sexes or the same
sex. They may register in some
bridal jurisdictions and receive some of
Industry term that often the benefits accorded to married
overemphasizes women engaged to couples. Domestic partner and
be married, as in bridal expo or bridal domestic partnership are typically
registry. Gender-neutral terms such used in connection with legal
as wedding expo are preferred. and insurance matters, while just
partner is more common in personal
bride, brides communication.
Acceptable for female members of
any couple recently or about to be engaged couple
married. If possible, ask the subject Acceptable term for a same-sex
or subjects which term they prefer. couple before marriage, and also
for different-sex couples. Fiancé and
civil union: Legal status in some fiancée are acceptable if the couples
U.S. states that provides same-sex prefer those terms.
couples some rights available to
married couples. Many states that groom
offered civil unions stopped doing so Acceptable term for male members
when the federal government began of a same-sex or different-sex couple
recognizing marriage for same-sex who is recently or about to be
couples, but a few still offer them. married. If possible, ask the subject
or subjects which term they prefer.
commitment ceremony
A weddinglike event in which two husband
or sometimes more people declare Acceptable term for a male, married
their commitment to one another; partner of a man. Ask which term the
participants can be of the same or couple prefers, if possible.
different sexes. Ceremonies may be
religiously recognized but are not lover
legally binding. Some people prefer this gender-
neutral term for a sexual or romantic
partner. Girlfriend, boyfriend and
partner, which is also gender-neutral
but may connote cohabitation, are
alternatives.
8 | Stylebook on LGBTQ Terminologymarriage NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ
Avoid modifying the word marriage Journalists
when possible, since there is no legal An organization of journalists, media
distinction in the U.S. between same- professionals, educators and students
sex and different-sex marriages. who work within the news industry
When it is relevant to mention the to foster fair and accurate coverage
distinction, marriage for same-sex of LGBTQ issues. It was formed
couples is preferred over same-sex in 1990 as the National Lesbian
marriage or gay marriage. and Gay Journalists Association
and now goes by NLGJA: The
obituaries Association of LGBTQ Journalists.
When reporting survivors, list NLGJA is acceptable on subsequent
partners of gay, lesbian, bisexual or references. For more information,
transgender deceased in an order visit www.nlgja.org/about.
equivalent to spouses of heterosexual
deceased. nonbinary
See transgender.
partner
A commonly accepted term for a obituaries
person of any sexual orientation in a See marriage and relationships.
romantic relationship, though it may
connote a long-term commitment or openly gay/lesbian
cohabitation. As a modifier, openly is often relevant
only when referencing historical
spouse figures and to allow for the possibility
Gender-neutral term that is of previous closeted figures: Harvey
acceptable in all references to Milk was the first openly gay San
individuals in a marriage. Francisco supervisor. Tammy Baldwin
was the first openly lesbian member
wedding of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Preferred term for a marriage Mention a subject’s sexual orientation
ceremony for same-sex people and only when relevant. Avoid words like
to modify activities related to a acknowledged, avowed, admitted,
marriage ceremony, as in wedding confessed or practicing because
registry. of their inaccuracy or negative
connotations.
wife
Acceptable term for a female, opposite sex
married partner of a woman. Ask Avoid this term that buys into a
which term the subject prefers, if scientifically obsolete view of sex as
possible. binary. Instead use terms like another
sex or different sex.
misleading associations out, outing
Terms including adultery, bestiality, Revealing the sexual orientation or
pedophilia and polygamy are gender identity of someone against
frequently false or defamatory when their will. Derived from out of the
used in stories about LGBTQ issues. closet. Example: The magazine outed
See the NLGJA: The Association the senator in a story.
of LGBTQ Journalists Journalists See coming out, closeted.
Toolbox at www.nlgja.org/resources/
journalists-toolbox.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 9pansexual rainbow flag
Describes someone who experiences A flag of horizontal stripes of the
attraction without regard to sex, colors of the rainbow that symbolizes
gender identity or gender expression. the diversity of LGBTQ people. Also
called the pride flag. Other variations
parent have taken hold, including one with a
See families, parents. black and a brown stripe to be more
pass, passing inclusive of communities of color.
Describes someone whose sexual
orientation or gender identity is religious freedom, religious liberty
seen as deceptive, ingenuine or Politically charged terms sometimes
implausible: She passes for straight. used to describe efforts to allow
Best avoided because it can be religious beliefs to be the basis
unfounded, inaccurate and even for discrimination. Avoid them in
defamatory. favor of more specific phrasing:
The legislator introduced a bill that
pink triangle would allow business owners who
The insignia gay men were required cite religious beliefs to turn away
to wear in Nazi concentration camps. LGBTQ customers, not The legislator
It has been reclaimed as a gay pride introduced a religious freedom bill
symbol. to protect business owners who
disagree with homosexuality.
pride, gay pride
Lowercase in the context of safe sex, safer sex
generally having pride in one’s Practices can include not just
sexual orientation or gender identity. barriers such as condoms, but also
Capitalized in reference to holidays medication regimens such as PrEP,
and events that commemorate the which can help prevent HIV infection.
Stonewall uprising of 1969. The pink Some organizations condone the
triangle is now a symbol of gay pride. term safer sex to underscore that no
She couldn’t wait for Pride month to sexual contact is completely without
arrive. risk. See HIV/AIDS.
queen same-gender loving
A pejorative term for an effeminate Culturally affirming term used by
gay man that has more recently some African Americans to describe
become acceptable as slang among same-sex relationships.
LGBTQ people. It sometimes
describes a shared interest or sex
disposition, for example: soccer Biological and physiological
queens, opera queens. Queen can characteristics used to classify
still be offensive when used as an someone as male or female. Not
epithet. synonymous with gender.
See drag queen, female See transgender.
impersonator.
sexual orientation
queer Innate sexual attraction. Avoid sexual
See LGBT, LGBTQ. preference, which implies a conscious
choice, or sexuality, which refers to
sexual activity generally, not to whom
one is attracted.
See lifestyle.
10 | Stylebook on LGBTQ Terminologyslurs tranny
Acceptable only very rarely, such as See slurs.
in quotations if there is a compelling
reason to include them, or if writers
or story subjects are referring to
themselves. Consider using hyphens transgender
in place of all but the first letter, Generally, transgender describes
or follow your organization’s style people whose gender identity and/
guidelines on slurs and profanities. or expression may not match their
See dyke; fag, faggot; queer; physical, sexual characteristics or sex
tranny. assigned at birth.
sodomy But the word can mean different
Collective term for sexual acts some things to different people. Journalists
jurisdictions have deemed illegal, and covering transgender people must
not synonymous with homosexuality ensure they correctly understand and
or sex between gay men. The U.S. communicate the parameters of the
Supreme Court decided in 2003 that community or communities about
state sodomy laws targeting private, which they are reporting.
consensual sex between adult
partners violated the Constitution. In a strict sense, the term transgender
The ruling is often seen as key in includes people who were assigned
further legalization of relationships as male or female at birth and
between same-sex couples. later identified as the other. But
it sometimes is understood as an
special rights umbrella term covering other people
Avoid this politically charged term with nontraditional gender identities,
used by opponents of civil rights for possibly including but not limited to
LGBTQ people in favor of alternatives genderqueer and agender people.
such as LGBTQ rights, equal rights,
or gay and lesbian rights. Some cross-dressers, drag
queens and kings, female or male
Stonewall impersonators, and intersex people
The Stonewall Inn tavern in New York may also identify as transgender.
City’s Greenwich Village was the site
of several nights of raucous protests In news coverage, identify people
after a police raid June 28, 1969. as transgender only when relevant
Although not the nation’s first LGBTQ to the subject matter and only if
rights event, it is now regarded as the they are widely known or describe
catalyst for the modern LGBTQ civil themselves as such. Otherwise,
rights movement. The event is often describe trans men as men and trans
referred to as just Stonewall: The women as women.
march was the most important event
since Stonewall. Using it as a noun — as in a
transgender or a conference of
straight transgenders — is inaccurate and
Acceptable in all references as an offensive. Do not use transgendered,
adjective meaning heterosexual. As which is offensive and implies
a noun, use heterosexual or straight
person or people.
11 | Stylebook Supplement on LGBTQ Terminology
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 11something must have happened to gender
make a person transgender. A social construct that refers to
People can be transgender a person’s self-identity, unlike
regardless of age, but journalists sex, which refers to biological
should take the usual legal and characteristics. Gender is usually
ethical precautions when reporting assigned to a person at birth by an
on children. attendant or parent who bases the
decision on visible genitalia of the
Terminology is constantly evolving infant. That assignment may not
and new terms emerging. Details match the person’s actual gender,
on some terms commonly used, knowledge of which may emerge
or misused, in news coverage of later.
transgender people follow:
gender-bender
agender An individual who intentionally does
Refers to someone who does not conform to predominant binary
not identify as any gender. Not gender roles or expression. Use only
synonymous with asexual or if self-referential or in a quotation
genderqueer. where there is a compelling reason.
As an adjective, gender-bending.
assignment
Proper term for how doctors, parents gender confirmation, gender
or others classify a baby as male, confirmation surgery
female or intersex, judging by The medical treatments by which
visible genitalia at birth that may transgender people change their
not align with a person’s true sex or physical characteristics to align
future gender identity. Designating with their gender identity through
a baby’s sex on a birth certificate the use of hormones, surgeries or
is an example of gender or sex a combination of both. It can be a
assignment, as are cries of “It’s a part of gender transition but is not
girl!” or “It’s a boy!” necessary. Not all transgender people
choose to undergo or can afford
bathroom bill the treatments. It is also known by
Avoid this politically charged term such terms as sex reassignment, sex
for measures that seek to grant or realignment or gender affirmation.
deny public accommodations for Avoid overemphasizing the role of
transgender people; opponents often surgery in the transition process, and
focus on access to public restrooms. avoid the obsolete term sex change.
Acceptable in direct quotes.
gender dysphoria
cisgender Medical diagnosis that identifies the
Refers to a person whose gender conflict people experience when their
identity aligns with the gender and outward appearance of gender does
sex assigned at birth, that is, not not align with their internalized state.
a transgender man or woman. It is This diagnosis is often a prerequisite
useful in distinguishing people by for transgender people to undergo
gender identity when relevant and gender confirmation. Avoid the
without assuming that cisgender is obsolete term gender identity
the neutral or normal state. disorder.
12 | Stylebook on LGBTQ Terminologygender expression gender variant
The appearance, traits and Do not use this term related to
mannerisms someone presents gender nonconforming unless in
to communicate gender identity. academic writing.
Any traits (masculine, feminine,
androgynous) can be present in genderqueer
people of any gender or gender Refers to a person who identifies
expression. Gender expression may as neither male nor female. Some
or may not match biological sex. genderqueer people, but not all,
also identify as transgender. Not
gender fluid synonymous with agender. Use only
Refers to a person whose gender when relevant and only when people
identity or expression is not fixed describe themselves as such or in a
but can vary between, and extend quotation when there is a compelling
beyond, male and female. reason to do so.
gender identity nonbinary
A person’s emotional and Refers to a person whose gender
psychological sense of having a identity and/or expression
gender; feeling like a man, woman, is neither male nor female.
both or neither. Does not necessarily Nonbinary individuals may identify
align with an individual’s sex assigned as somewhere between male
at birth. and female or reject a binary
categorization of gender altogether.
gender nonconforming (adj.), Use only if people refer to themselves
gender nonconformity (n.) as nonbinary, or in quotations or
When a gender identity or expression names of organizations.
does not necessarily adhere to the
traditional view of two genders. pronouns
Avoid the related academic term If sources share a transgender or
gender variant. gender-nonconforming identity on
the record, ask which pronouns they
gender transition, transition: The use and incorporate them into your
process by which transgender people report as needed. They/them/their
change their physical characteristics are acceptable as nonbinary, singular
from those associated with the sex pronouns if the subject uses them.
assigned to them at birth. It occurs Alternative nonbinary pronouns,
over time and may include the such as zie/zim/zis, are acceptable
following: adopting the aesthetic if requested but may require extra
markers of the new gender, such as explanation in a story or broadcast.
makeup or facial hair; telling one’s
family, friends and/or coworkers; Clarity for the audience is paramount.
changing one’s name and/or sex If a subject’s gender identity is not
on legal documents; hormone relevant to a story but the person
therapy; and surgery or other body uses a nonbinary pronoun, confusion
modification procedures. Avoid may result if it is used without
the obsolete term sex change. explanation. Therefore, it may
Not synonymous with gender sometimes be helpful to explain that
confirmation/affirmation or sexual a subject uses a nonbinary pronoun.
reassignment. Journalists should use their judgment
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 13on whether a passage can be transgender woman/girl
recast for clarity, whether use of the A person who was assigned male
pronoun creates more confusion than at birth but identifies and/or lives
it solves, and whether it makes sense as female. Usually shortened to
to explain the pronoun in the story. trans woman or trans girl, with the
space, not transwoman or transgirl.
For example, the meaning of the Use only when the subject prefers
sentence Robert Sanchez, a member it and when transgender status is
of the group of environmentalists, relevant; otherwise, identify a news
said they disagree with points of subject as a woman. In statistics, the
the organization’s mission hinges abbreviation MTF, or male-to-female,
on whether they refers to Sanchez may be used.
or environmentalists. The options
for recasting would depend on the transgendered
context available to the journalist and Do not use this offensive term
on the story’s audience. that carries negative connotations,
including the implication that
Avoid references to preferred something must have happened to
pronouns because doing so implies make a person transgender, or that
that calling people other than what being transgender is a choice.
they want to be called is a viable
alternative. Avoid references to transphobia
chosen pronouns because they are Fear, hatred or dislike of transgender
not always chosen. Instead, when people, and/or prejudice and
relevant: Sanchez, who uses the discrimination against them. May be
pronoun they or Sanchez, whose harbored by people of any sexual
pronouns are they/them/their. orientation or gender identity,
including trans people themselves.
sex change
Avoid this obsolete term in favor transsexual
of gender transition or gender Avoid this obsolete term for
confirmation. transgender unless the subject
prefers it. Consider paraphrasing
trans quotes containing the term, which
Colloquial shorthand for transgender. may inaccurately imply a person has
Useful in subsequent references, undergone gender confirmation
in headlines, and when paired with surgery.
man, woman, boy or girl.
two spirit (n.): A Native American
transgender man/boy believed to possess a mixture of
A person who was assigned female masculine and feminine spirits. Some,
at birth but identifies and/or lives but not all, identify as gay, lesbian,
as male. Usually shortened to trans bisexual or transgender. Should not
man or trans boy, with the space, be used as a blanket term for LGBTQ
not transman or transboy. Use only Native Americans. Use only when the
when the subject prefers it and subject prefers it.
when transgender status is relevant;
otherwise, identify a news subject as
a man. In statistics, the abbreviation
FTM, or female-to-male, may be
used.
14 | Stylebook on LGBTQ TerminologyFor more information, visit the
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists
Journalists Toolbox
www.nlgja.org/resources/journalists-toolbox.
Rapid Response Task Force
Members and staff of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists work daily with our
colleagues in the news industry to fulfill the organization’s mission of fair and accurate coverage.
Sometimes, though, a more targeted response is required to promote greater understanding
about how to fairly and accurately cover the LGBTQ community.
The Association’s answer to this is the Rapid Response Task Force. This panel of working
journalists from mainstream and LGBTQ media answers complaints about reporting seen as
unfair and/or inaccurate by readers, viewers, listeners and our peer journalists.
Since its inception, the Rapid Response Task Force has not only informed countless newsrooms
about appropriate terminology and the appearance of bias, but has also used these contacts to
spread awareness about issues facing the LGBTQ community.
Problematic Coverage? Let Us Know! Email RRTF@nlgja.org.
Items to which the Rapid Response Task Force usually does not respond include editorials
(unless predicated on inaccurate information), op-ed pieces and letters to the editor.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists | 15NOTES
NOTAS
unión civil: Una unión civil concede
algunos de los derechos disponibles
a los matrimonios en áreas como
impuestos estatales, decisiones
médicas y disposición de herencias.
No es lo mismo que el matrimonio.
Las uniones no reciben todos los
derechos y protecciones que reciben
los matrimonios. Es una alternativa,
pero los activistas de derechos
civiles sostienen que marginar a
las parejas del mismo sexo del
matrimonio fomenta discriminación
basada en la orientación sexual.
Existen países que solo ofreces unión
civiles a las parejas del mismo sexo.
Vea ceremonia de compromiso;
pareja doméstica; matrimonio;
matrimonio igualitario; relaciones
gay/lésbicas.
VIH: Virus de inmunodeficiencia
humana. El virus que causa SIDA.
“Virus del VIH” es redundante. “VIH
positivo” significa estar infectado con
VIH pero no necesariamente tener
SIDA. Tanto los médicos como los
investigadores utilizan cada vez más
la frase “enfermedad del VIH” debido
a que hay otros tipos de deficiencias
inmunes adquiridas que no tienen
que ver con lo que llamamos SIDA y
que son causadas por toxinas o por
enfermedades mortales poco común.
Vea SIDA.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
10
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénero“Ttansgender” (adjetivo): En transexual: Término que usualmente
inglés, término abarcador que se se utiliza para designar a las
refiere a personas cuyo género personas que han concluido su
biológico no coincide con su transición hacia el género deseado.
identidad o expresión de género. En otros términos, esto quiere decir
Incluye las personas transgénero los que han tenido una cirugía de
preoperadas, postoperados y sin reasignación genital o quienes
operarse, al igual que a “cross- consideran dicha cirugía como
dressers” femeninos y masculinos, fundamental para su identidad de
“drag queens” y “drag kings” e género. Si la persona que está
imitadores de caracteres masculinos entrevistando se identifica con el
o femeninos. Cuando se escribe término, es recomendable usar el
sobre una persona “transgender”, término “transgénero” en relación
se usa el nombre y los pronombres a su identidad de género. Vea
personales que correspondan con transgénero.
la manera de vivir en público de la
persona. Nota: en español, algunas transición: El proceso de cambiar el
personas se auto-identifican como sexo de una persona, lo cual puede
“transgénero”. Vea transgénero; incluir cirugía, terapia hormonal y
reasignación de género; cirugía cambios en la de identidad legal.
de reasignación de género; Vea reasignación de género;
intersexual. cirugía de reasignación de género.
transgénero: Una persona que travesti: El término enfatiza el
siente una disonancia entre el vestido y se centra en el acto de
sexo que se le asignó al nacer y ponerse la ropa al género opuesto
su identidad de género. Toman al que la persona pertenece. Los
las medidas apropiadas para travestis no vivirían, ni si quisieran
iniciar un proceso de transición vivir en el género del que “se visten.”
para que su cuerpo esté más Preferible evitar el termino. Vea
alineado con su identidad. Las “cross-dresser”.
personas transgénero pueden tomar
hormonas, tener cirugía, o no seguir triángulo rosa: Símbolo que los
ningún proceso médica. También es hombres gay debían portar en los
importante saber que la orientación campos de concentración nazis
sexual puede ser heterosexual durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial;
u homosexual. Use el nombre y ahora simboliza orgullo gay. Las
los pronombres personales que lesbianas a veces también utilizan un
conformen con los que la persona triángulo negro.
emplea al momento del reportaje.
Vea reasignación de género;
cirugía de reasignación de género;
“transgender”.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
9
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgéneroseronegativo: Sinónimo de VIH Stonewall: La taberna Stonewall
negativo. Vea VIH. Inn en el vecindario de Greenwich
Village de la ciudad de Nueva York,
seropositivo: Sinónimo de VIH donde hubo protestas durante varias
positivo. Vea VIH. noches seguidas a raíz de una
redada de policía que tuvo lugar
sexo con protección, sexo el 28 de junio de 1969. Aunque
seguro: La práctica de minimizar no fue la primera demostración en
la transmisión del VIH y otras defensa de los derechos civiles de
infecciones. Algunas publicaciones gente gay, hoy en día Stonewall es
prefieren “sexo seguro,” la considerada la cuna del movimiento
denominación de una serie de contemporáneo por los derechos
recomendaciones y prácticas para civiles de gente LGBT.
distinguir que el contacto sexual no
es completamente seguro. “straight”: En inglés, una persona
heterosexual, cuyo orientación
SIDA: Síndrome de sexual y afectivo se dirige hacia una
inmunodeficiencia adquirida, una persona del sexo opuesto.
condición médica que compromete
el sistema inmune humano, dejando tortillera/Torta: TTérmino
al cuerpo indefenso frente a despectivo usado en varios países
infecciones oportunistas. Algunos de Latinoamérica para referirse a una
tratamientos médicos pueden reducir lesbiana. Evite usarlo. Vea “dyke”.
la rapidez con que el sistema inmune
se debilita. Individuos pueden ser “tranny”: Término despectivo
VIH positivos y no tener SIDA. Evite para una persona transgénero,
usar “víctima del SIDA”, “sidoso” o pero últimamente algunos de
“sidosa”. Use “gente/persona con ellos lo usan con connotaciones
SIDA” y si el contexto es médico use positivas. Precaución: sigue siendo
“paciente con SIDA”. Vea VIH. extremadamente ofensivo cuando
se usa como epíteto. Solamente
sodomía: Término usado para usarlo en citas o cuando alguien se
describir varios actos sexuales identifique como tal.
que algunos países consideran
ilegales. No es sinónimo de sexo transfobia: El miedo, la aversión o
entre personas del mismo sexo. La rechazo de personas transgénero
definición legal de la sodomía difiere o transexual. Puede ser ocultado
de estado a estado; en algunos por personas gay, lesbiana, y
estados, las leyes sobre sodomía bisexual además de las personas
también aplican a actos sexuales heterosexuales. Vea “transgender”;
practicados por gente heterosexual. transgénero; transexual.
El Tribunal Supremo de los Estados
Unidos dictó en junio del 2003 que transformista: Un artista que se
las leyes estatales sobre sodomía viste y actúa de manera comúnmente
dirigidas a la actividad sexual asociada con personas del género
en privado y con consentimiento de sexo opuesto. (En inglés se dice
mutuo de parejas del mismo sexo “drag queen” con respecto a un
o heterosexuales, violan la cláusula hombre, y “drag king” con respecto
constitucional que otorga el respeto a una mujer). No es sinónimo de
a todos los derechos de la persona transexual o “cross-dresser”. Vea
(llamada en inglés “Due process “drag”/draga; “drag king”; “drag
clause”). queen”.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
8
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgéneropadre/madre: Además de “queer”: En inglés, originalmente
“papá” o “mamá”, es un término un término derogatorio alusivo a un
que caracteriza una persona gay, hombre gay, pero recientemente
lesbiana, bisexual, o transgénero ha sido adoptado como término
criando un hijo o hijos. Debido a la genérico de autoafirmación por la
mezcla de diferente hogares llevados comunidad LGBT. Precaución: Sigue
por padres LGBT, es mejor preguntar siendo sumamente ofensivo cuando
qué prefieren ellos. Mencione la se emplea como epíteto.
relación genética o la técnica de
concepción cuando sea relevante. reasignación de género: El
Vea familias. proceso en el cual una persona
transgénero cambia el físico de sus
pato: Término despectivo usado características sexuales al sexo
en varios países de Latinoamérica opuesto. Puede incluir la cirugía,
para referirse a hombres gay . Evite terapia hormonal y/o cambios de
usarlo. Vea “dyke”. identidad legal. No es sinónimo de la
cirugía de reasignación de género.
practicante: Evite este término Evite el término “cambio de sexo.”
para describir la identidad u Vea cirugía de reasignación de
orientación sexual de alguien. género; transgénero; transexual.
Utilice “activo sexualmente” como
modificante en circunstancias relaciones gay/lésbica: Se usa
cuando el conocimiento público terminología variada para describir
de las acciones de un individuo es estas uniones. Si es posible,
relevante. pregunte a la persona el término que
prefiere, si no “pareja” es un término
preferencia sexual: Preferible aceptable.Vea pareja.
evitarla. Implica que la sexualidad
es el resultado de una decisión sacar del armario (del closet):
personal. Vea orientación sexual. Dar a conocer la orientación sexual o
identidad de género de alguien que
puto: Término despectivo para los ha elegido mantener en privado esa
hombres gay, pero últimamente información. También es usado como
algunos de ellos lo usan con verbo: La revista sacó del closet al
connotaciones positivas. Sinonimo senador en primera plana.
de prostituto. Término usado Vea salir del armario (del closet);
negativamente en porras de en el armario (en el closet).
diferentes actividades. Precaución:
sigue siendo extremadamente salir del armario (del closet):
ofensivo cuando se usa como Aceptación personal y decisión
epíteto. Equivalentes derogatorios de dejarle saber a otros sobre una
en español: joto, afeminado, puñal, orientación sexual o identidad de
“homo”. Evite usarlo. género previamente oculta.Vea en
el armario (en el closet); sacar del
“queen”: En inglés, originalmente armario (del closet).
un término derogatorio alusivo
a algún hombre gay afeminado. seroconversión: Fenómeno
Pero hoy en día, es aceptado y observable científicamente cuando
usado entre la comunidad LGBT. la sangre y otros líquidos corporales
Se considera ofensivo cuando se pasan de VIH-negativo a VIH-
emplea como epíteto. positivo. El verbo es “seroconvertir”.
Vea VIH.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
7
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgéneromarimacha: Palabra usada en obituarios: Cuando se informa
varios países de Latinoamérica para sobre los sobrevivientes de una
referirse a una lesbiana. Evite usarlo. persona lesbiana, gay, bisexual
Vea “dyke”. o transgénero que ha fallecido,
mencione a su pareja en un orden
matrimonio: Los que abogan equivalente al del esposo o la
a favor del derecho a casarse esposa de difuntos heterosexuales.
buscan los derechos legales y las
obligaciones del matrimonio y no orgullo (dia y/o desfile del):
una variante del mismo. A menudo, El término se refiere al sentido de
el modo más neutro de referirse al autoafirmación que sienten muchas
tema es evitar cualquier adjetivo que personas LGBT y alude a las
modifica la palabra “matrimonio”. En celebraciones que conmemoran las
situaciones en que sea necesaria protestas de la taberna Stonewall Inn
una distinción, se puede emplear del 28 de junio de 1969 en Nueva
“matrimonio de parejas del mismo York. Vea Stonewall.
sexo” en artículos. Cuando hay
una necesidad de una descripción orientación sexual: Atracción
corta (por ejemplo en algún titular), sexual natural. Utilice este término
es preferible usar “matrimonio del en vez de “preferencia sexual”. Vea
mismo-sexo” porque es más amplio y estilo de vida.
más exacto que “matrimonio gay”.
Vea unión civil; ceremonia pareja: Término comúnmente
conyugal; pareja doméstica; aceptable para una persona que
relaciones gay/lésbicas. se encuentra en una relación gay o
lésbica de parejas del mismo sexo.
matrimonio civil: El reconocimiento Vea relaciones gays/lésbicas.
del matrimonio civil como un derecho
de las parejas del mismo sexo. Es pareja domestica: Dos
un contrato que se perfecciona ante cohabitantes que no están casados.
las autoridades civiles y se rige Una pareja doméstica puede
por las normas promulgadas por estar integrada por personas de
las autoridades públicas. No hay sexos opuestos o del mismo sexo.
que confundirlo con el matrimonio Pudiesen recibir algunos de los
religioso. Vea matrimonio; mismos beneficios aportados a los
matrimonio igualitario; unión civil. matrimonios cuando se registran
en ciertos condados, municipios
matrimonio igualitario: El o estados. El término se utiliza
matrimonio entre personas del típicamente en conexión con asuntos
mismo sexo, reconoce legal legales y de pólizas de seguro.
o socialmente un matrimonio Vea pareja; relaciones gay/
formado por contrayentes del lésbicas.
mismo sexo y permite la protección
de los derechos de las parejas
homosexuales. Vea matrimonio;
matrimonio civil; unión civil.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
6
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénerohomosexual: Como sustantivo, joteria: Término usado entre
una persona que se siente atraída la comunidad Latina LGBT que
por personas del mismo sexo. significa amistad y confianza entre
Como adjetivo, lo que se refiere o sí. Es usado en connotaciones
relaciona con la atracción sexual positivas, y refleja el orgullo de ser
y afectiva hacia alguien del mismo LGBT, contradiciendo la sociedad
sexo. Se recomienda utilizar en a través del arte, el activismo, la
contextos médicos o en referencia política, la literatura, y actividades
a actividades sexuales. Vea gay; espirituales.
lesbiana.
lesbiana: Término preferido, tanto
HSH: Siglas que significan “hombres como sustantivo como adjetivo, para
que tienen sexo con hombres”. mujeres que se sienten atraídas
Término usado generalmente en sexual y afectivamente hacia otras
comunidades de color para describir mujeres. Algunas prefieren ser
a los hombres que tienen sexo llamadas “gay” en vez de “lesbiana”.
secretamente con otros hombres, Siempre que sea posible, pregunte a
mientras mantienen relaciones la persona el término que prefiere.
íntimas con mujeres. No es sinónimo
de “bisexual”. Vea “down low”. LGBT: Sigla que significa “lesbiana,
gay, bisexual y transgénero”. Útil
identidad de género: El sentido cuando se usa en los titulares.
emocional y psicológico de un
individuo de ser hombre o mujer. No MAH: Sigla que significa “de mujer a
necesariamente igual a la identidad hombre”. Una persona transgénero
biológica del individuo. que al nacer o por determinación
de sus padres o doctores, tiene
intersexual (adjetivo): Persona una identidad biológica de
que nace con los cromosomas hembra pero identidad de género
sexuales, los órganos genitales masculina. Aquellos que han sido
externos o un sistema reproductivo reasignados quirúrgicamente a
interno que no se consideran veces son descritos como “MAH
estándar para un varón o una postoperatorio”. Vea identidad de
hembra. Generalmente los padres género e intersexual.
y los médicos determinan el
sexo del infante, lo que implica marica/maricón: Término
intervención quirúrgica o tratamiento despectivo para los hombres gay,
con hormonas. Muchos adultos pero últimamente algunos de
intersexuales buscan poner fin a esta ellos lo usan con connotaciones
práctica. positivas. Precaución: sigue siendo
extremadamente ofensivo cuando
joto: Término despectivo para los se usa como epíteto. Equivalentes
hombres gay, pero últimamente derogatorios en español: joto,
algunos de ellos lo usan con afeminado, puñal, “homo”. Evite
connotaciones positivas. Precaución: usarlo.
sigue siendo extremadamente
ofensivo cuando se usa como
epíteto. Vea marica/maricón.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
5
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgéneroen el armario (en el closet): En gay: Adjetivo que ha reemplazado
referencia a una persona que desea en gran medida el término
mantener en secreto o en privado “homosexual” para referirse a
su orientación sexual o identidad de hombres que se sienten atraídos
género. Vea salir del armario (del sexual y afectivamente por otros
closet). hombres. Evite el uso como
sustantivo. Para las mujeres es
esposa: Término aceptable para preferible usar “lesbiana”. Para
una mujer legalmente casada con incluir ambos, utilice personas
su pareja femenina. Es preferible “gays y lesbianas”. Cuando se
preguntar cual termino el sujeto carece de espacio para titulares
prefiere. Vea pareja. largos es aceptable usar “LGBT”
para describir a ambos grupos. Vea
esposo: Término aceptable para lesbiana; LGBT.
un hombre legalmente casado con
su pareja masculino. Es preferible HAM: Siglas que significan “de
preguntar cual termino el sujeto hombre a mujer”. Una persona
prefiere. Vea pareja. transgénero que al nacer o
por determinación de sus
estilo de vida: Un término inexacto padres o doctores, tiene una
usado a veces para describir la vida identidad biológica de varón
de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y pero una identidad de género
transexuales. La orientación sexual femenino. Aquellas que han sido
pudiese ser parte de un estilo de reasignadas quirúrgicamente a
vida más amplio pero no es uno en veces son descritas como “HAM
sí mismo, así como no hay un estilo postoperatorio”. Vea identidad de
de vida “heterosexual”. Preferible género; intersexual.
evitarlo. Vea orientación sexual;
preferencias sexuales. herosexismo: Presunción de que
la heterosexualidad es universal
“ex-gay”: Un movimiento que y/o superior a la homosexualidad.
tiene raíces en grupos religiosos También: prejuicio, favoritismo
conservadores de los Estados o discriminación basada en tal
Unidos, que intenta cambiar la presunción.
atracción sexual que una persona
sienta por las de su mismo sexo “homo”: Término peyorativo para
y dirigirla hacia el otro sexo. No una persona homosexual. Utilizar
se reconoce como terapia en la solamente con razón convincente.
comunidad médica.
homofobia: Miedo, odio o aversión
familias: Término correcto para a la homosexualidad, a gays y a
identificar familias con padres/ lesbianas. Vea bifobia; transfobia.
madres LGBT. Identifique la
orientación de los padres/las madres
solo cuando sea relevante. No se usa
el término “familias homosexuales/
gays.” Mencione la relación genética
o la técnica de concepción cuando
sea relevante. Vea padre/madre.
El Manual de Estilo Sobre La Comunidad
4
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