Language Lessons: Beyond Being PC
Your column regarding bisexuality has sparked some questions here [where I work]…In the column, it says that the term “homosexual” is no longer appropriate. What would [the] pc term now be? We understand the connotation used in schools and by other youths, but is there another more suitable term? Is it being directed towards more of the L/G/B/Tg/Ts/Q/I/2/A terminology? From a personal stand point, I would rather be termed “homosexual” than many other terms used in relationship to the lesbian community, but I may be missing something that may be useful in demographic terms.
Thanks!
Kerri
Kerri, thanks for the great question. We have recently talked about how much we enjoy it when readers write in!
Homosexual History
Yes, in our column on Bisexuality (7.10.08), we said homosexual was “an offensive term now, but the word used at the time.” There are lots of reasons why the term homosexual has generally fallen out of use. First, homosexual is a term that comes out of medical terminology from the late 1800s, marking gay folks as “sexual deviants.” In fact, it wasn’t until 1973 that “homosexuality” was removed as a mental disorder from the diagnostic manual (DSM) used by mental health professionals. Additionally, homosexual was a term used to describe men who have sex with men (ignoring women & trans folks), and still seems to leave many people out of the definition. Finally, it tends to refer just to the sexual actions of the individual rather than the more broad identity that they possess.
The Homosexual Agenda
In addition, the LGBT individuals and groups we have worked with do not use the word “homosexual” to describe themselves. In fact, when someone uses the term “homosexual”, it usually signals that the speaker is not familiar with the groups’ experiences or lives, particularly if the speaker is an ally (straight person supportive of LGBT folks) rather than a member of the LGBT community. The word homosexual is also charged term because of the way it is used in politics, churches and other spaces to condemn “homosexuals”, “the homosexual lifestyle” or “the homosexual agenda.” In these ways, it is definitely not a term of respect.
What do I say?
But the question you ask is what language is more accepted or politically correct (PC)? More common than “homosexual” is saying “LGBT” or “lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered folks.” This is a list and possesses its own problems (like for instance, are you really talking about each of those groups, or are you just doing it to sound good?). And, “LGBT” also leaves people out, like people who are intersex, or those who are questioning their sexual orientation and identity. That’s why sometimes you might see LGBTQIQA (queer, intersex, questioning and ally) or other variations.
In certain arenas, “queer” seems to be preferred as it allows a broader definition of feelings, attitudes, and identities. But the word queer has political roots too, and some in the community do not prefer it, since it is a word that historically has been used to bash LGBT people. Later, the community reclaimed the word queer, and used it as a way to unify and advocate for important issues. For these and other reasons, those outside the LGBT community, including allies, may be offending someone if they liberally use the word queer. In addition, in some spaces, the word queer is threatening whereas LGBT feels more comfortable. For example, a speaker probably couldn’t call up a local high school asking to give a workshop on queer identity, but may offer a workshop on LGBT issues.
You also bring up another very good point,.. Who gets to say what someone identifies another person as? Ideally it would be that person. If a person wants to identify as “homosexual” (or a homosexual), or some other way, that should be their prerogative. Some people don’t want any labels, some people enjoy specific labels. Like gender identity, no one knows that better than the individual themselves. So although we may use broad terminology as a way to discuss the topic, ultimately we need to listen to the individual.
Being PC is so Gay
Our last point may also be the most important: we do not see these as issues of political correctness. Politically correct language can often be used to say the same racist, sexist, homophobic, and classist things that have always been said, but masks them under “appropriate” language. We believe we need to think about language in terms of respect, and listening to the people who are supposed to feel respected by the language. Because of the way the conservative right has co-opted “PC” as a frivolous burden of “liberals,” mainstream US culture views it as meaningless posturing. But if we frame our language & behaviors in terms of what is respectful instead of what is “politically correct,” it allows us opportunities to listen and learn.
Ask & Listen
Great question, thanks for writing in. In general, for folks outside the community, including allies, LGBT is preferred. But, as we have mentioned before the LGBT community is not homogeneous; everyone has different opinions, experiences, expectations and preferences in terms of labels. If you are unsure of your language, whether with an individual or within a group, open up a dialogue about what would be the most respectful and listen to the response.
Check out Doin’ It Well next week as we explore pegging.
Sex 411: Continuing the Conversation
To learn more, visit the Office of LGBT Resources, 323 Illini Union to find books, discussions, trainings, videos and more. www.odos.uiuc.edu/lgbt/
Write in your questions to Kim & Ross at buzzdoinitwell@yahoo.com
