Say It!

One thing I would ask of anyone using the initialism “LGBT” or “LGBTQ” is to always–without fail–define it in its first usage to mean:

Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Queer

We don’t want to whitewash over what these letters stand for. I feel many may still not know–or want to know–what the “LGBTQ” initialism means. It is important that it is clearly defined in the first instance whenever it is used in any news item, editorial or story. The words “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual,” and “transgender” and “queer” must be said, written and heard. Many in the media never actually utter these words when discussing “LGBTQ” people or issues, clearly hiding behind the safety of the initialism. But we need to hear those words! We are done being worried about straight and mainstream media’s comfort with who we are. – Andy

P.S. Furthermore, don’t label individual people as “LGBTQ.” If you’re talking about someone and labeling them is truly relevant to the discussion, then have the respect to use the term they prefer. For example, If I must be labeled, I’m “Gay.”