Photo Credit: Photo: Julián Ruiz/IRC
LGBTQI+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and the “+” is used to refer to genders or sexualities outside of the LGBTQI terminology. LGBTQI+ people might be very hesitant about speaking with you about their identity for fear of persecution. It is possible they are from a place where their sexuality is illegal or severely discriminated against. If an LGBTQI+ person does disclose this aspect of their identity with you, please handle the situation with care and assume they have not told many people about their preferences.
Here are some communication tips:
- If someone discloses to you that they’re from one of the LGBTIQ communities, use the terms that they use to describe themselves.
- Use language that acknowledges that we have diverse relationships and families and doesn’t presume heterosexuality. This can mean using words like 'partner' or 'parents,' particularly when describing groups of people.
- Respect preferred pronouns. Whatever pronouns they might use follow the person's lead. If you are unsure you can always ask.
- Focus on the reason they reached out to Signpost for help, do not ask probing questions about their sexual identity if it is not pertinent to the information they need.