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acronym, Good Question, Inclusion, LGBT, LGBTQ, Moms of LGBT, Moms of LGBTQ Kids, questions, Really Good Question, Serendipitydodah for Moms
Serendipitydodah for Moms is a private Facebook group for moms of lgbtq kids. This series will address common questions that often get asked by members of the group. For more information about the group email lizdyer55@gmail.com
There are some common questions that we hear over and over from moms of lgbtq kids and one of those questions goes like this:
What do all the letters mean in the longer lgbt acronyms and which acronym should I use?
To answer the first part of the question here are some of the longer acronyms and what they represent:
LGBTQIA+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (the plus sign represents including all others who are not heterosexual or cisgender)
LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Curious, Asexual, Pansexual, Gender-non-conforming, Gender-Fluid, Non-binary, and Androgynous
LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP – stands for: Lesbian, Gay, Genderqueer, Bisexual, Demisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Twospirit, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, Allies, Pansexual and Polyamorous
LGBTQQIP2SAA – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pansexual, Two-Spirit, Asexual, Allies
Which acronym should you use?
That’s a harder question to answer.
There isn’t one acronym that has been designated as “the best,” but, I do think it is important for us to strive to be inclusive.
One way to be inclusive is to add more letters to the lgbt acronym but that isn’t the only way.
Presently I’m using LGBTQ and plan to use it until something shorter or something that rolls more easily off of the tongue takes over. Queer is becoming widely known as an umbrella term that includes all sexual orientations and gender identities, therefore, the LGBTQ acronym is typically seen as inclusive
BUT, I still feel like there is something better on the horizon.
Here are some examples of some of ideas that are circulating:
MOGAI – Marginalized Orientations, Gender identities, And Intersex
GSD – gender and sexual diversity
GSM – gender and sexual minorities
Many think that either GSD or GSM will end up being the primary acronym to replace the longer acronyms, if for no other reason than it is becoming increasingly difficult to say the longer acronym out loud when you are speaking on the subject.
But, there are others who think we should give up all the letters and just go with the word “Queer”
Those who are advocating for “Queer” point out that the word is inclusive of everyone in the lgbt community and doesn’t highlight just a few. They think as the community continues to strive to recognize and validate ALL genders and orientations we desperately need a word that reflects the community’s diverse membership.
I actually like the the idea of using “Queer” instead of acronyms and the only reason I am still avoiding it is because I have several LGBTQ friends over 40 who still cringe every time they hear the word. That’s why I mostly use LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA+ as the plus is considered to be all inclusive.
Serendipitydodah for Moms is the largest private Facebook group for moms of LGBTQ+ kids. The group is hosted by Real Mama Bears, an organization that supports, educates and empowers families with LGBTQ+ members and the LGBTQ+ community. For more info visit realmamabears.org
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I’m 55 and I still cringe when a hear the word Queer because it was used as a pejorative for so many years
I agree about the word ‘Queer’. GSM references one of the 2 types of cell phones.
My husband suggested ‘Popeye’ because he always said, “I yam what I yam”. Which means ‘I am what I am’, in the unlikely event you don’t know.
Another suggestion was GLOW meaning Gay, Lesbian, or whatever.
I really like the term Popeye. I’m very young, but my grandpa enjoyed Popeye, so I grew up watching it. I think its very positive and a broad spectrum so every one would be satisfied. His saying is very positive and empowering too
Did you try H for human? I am yor worst enemy (male, straight and white) and all I am asking for is to know if I should call the person in question by he, she or it. Changes weekly? No problem. Just keep me on the notice list and don’t be angry when I mix it up. It is not on purpose.
LGBT*Whatever – persons have more then enough problems in our current world. I do not want to add on this. And I also agree that the current state is not perfect. Woman’s are suppressed and even worse for people in between. We need to change.
But guess what? We are all people.
If you dont know someone’s pronouns, you can say ‘they’ ex: I met jess yesterday and they were sitting by themsef at lunch they’re really nice and I decided to sit with them. never use “it”
just call them by they/them. it’s gender neutral, so it fits. sometimes it can be a little hard getting used to the pronouns (I struggle myself), but I’m sure you’ll come around.
I’m all for human rights and free spirits but these ridiculous acronyms and all this Bullshit is just making it seem overkill and stupid. Stop putting labels on yourself and just live life. Like pretty soon your going to be supporting a group called the ‘lgbtqwxyzqrsruvjplytejklmnop’ it just loses all meaning.
Y.O.U. – why or unique
Here’s an idea, instead of using all the letters and acronyms, why don’t we use something more appropriate and correct, like the letters “C” or “M.I.?”—for confused and/or mentally-ill?
not all lgbt people are mentally ill and confused, and if you were, there is nothing wrong with that
LOL what a bunch of whacko’s lets hope the don’t procreate and its the end of the line for their gene pool.