LGBTQ+
It is so important that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience safety and inclusion, particularly when seeking medical and mental health services. At Aiello Counseling Services, we strive to promote inclusivity not only in our practice, but also in the community we serve. On this page, you will find valuable resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity: Terms to Avoid and Suggested Alternatives
Terms to Avoid
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birth sex
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natal sex
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born a girl, born female
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born a boy, born male
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hermaphrodite
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tranny
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transvestite
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transsexual (unless being used medically)
Suggested Alternatives
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assigned sex
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sex assigned at birth
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assigned female at birth (AFAB)
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assigned male at birth (AMAB)
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LGBTQ+, LBGTQIA+, etc.
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transgender people
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trans and gender nonbinary folks or folx
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genderqueer
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queer*
Additional Information
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The term “tranny” is considered a slur.
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*Consider your audience when using the term “queer”; not everyone receives this word positively; many members of the LGBTQIA+ community have now reclaimed it.
Gender Inclusive Pronouns
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She
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Her
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Her
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Hers
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Herself
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Ze
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Zim
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Zir
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Zirs
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Zirself
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Zie
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Zir
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Zir
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Zirs
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Zirself
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Per
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Per
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Pers
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Pers
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Perssself
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He
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Him
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His
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His
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Himself
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Sie/Zie
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Hir
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Hir
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Hirs
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Hirself
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Ey
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Em
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Eir
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Eirs
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Eirself
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They
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Them
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Their
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Theirs
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Themself
Gender and Pronoun Usage
Do not use the term “preferred pronouns” because this implies a choice about one’s gender. Use the term “pronouns” or “identified pronouns” instead. When writing about a known individual, use that person’s identified pronouns. When referring to individuals whose identified pronouns are not known or when the gender of a generic or hypothetical person is irrelevant within the context, use the singular “they” to avoid making assumptions about an individual’s gender. Use the forms “they,” “them,” “theirs,” and so forth (APA, 2020b).