You have likely come across the acronym (technically, initialism) LGBTQIA+ or one of its variants before. If you’ve felt confused by this panoply of vocabulary in the past, or simply want a refresher on what language is most appropriate in 2021, read on. This glossary will cover some of the key terminology related to Pride, from what LGBTQ itself means to what “preferred pronouns” are. Similarly, as the LGBTQ community changes, and the world changes around it, the vocabulary we use changes, too.
Changes to society, culture, and technology give rise to neologisms, or new words, like Bluetooth or yeet. But our vocabulary for all kinds of things in the modern world is constantly changing. To some, using this new or unfamiliar language can seem silly, strange, or unnecessary. If someone asks you to use a different word than one we have suggested here, do that. This glossary will cover some general do’s and don’ts, but it won’t apply to every individual person in every specific situation. You should use the language that LGBTQ people ask you to use. In this article, we will cover some of these changes and discuss why they matter. After all, the language used to talk about LGBTQ people and issues is constantly changing. Pride Month is also an excellent time to renew and improve understanding of terminology around LGBTQ identity and advocacy. During Pride Month, communities hold marches and other events to raise awareness about LGBTQ issues such as transphobia (anti-transgender) and workplace discrimination. Pride, formerly known as Gay Pride, is a recognition of LGBTQ identity, affirmation of equal rights, and celebration of visibility, dignity, and diversity in the LGBTQ community. Popularity spiked again a decade later when a West Hollywood resident sued his landlord over the right to hang his flag outside his residence.June is Pride Month in the United States and around the world. After the assassination of Harvey Milk on November 27, 1978, demand for the rainbow banner only increased.
Baker then took the design to Paramount Flag Company, which sold a version of the flag without hot pink and turquoise, which were replaced with blue for practicality purposes. It was first showcased at San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978.Īfter the design was unveiled, participants of the parade proudly waved the new symbol in solidarity. With the help of close to 30 volunteers working in the attic of the Gay Community Center in San Francisco, Baker was able to construct the first draft of the now world-renowned rainbow flag. At the top was hot pink, which represented sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow signifying sunlight, green for nature, turquoise to represent art, indigo for harmony, and finally violet at the bottom for spirit. The original flag featured eight colors, each having a different meaning. The different colors within the flag were meant to represent togetherness, since LGBT people come in all races, ages and genders, and rainbows are both natural and beautiful. Inside Theodore Roosevelt's Gilded Age Upbringing