LGBTQIAP+ Inclusivity Quick Guide
Are you seeking to be more inclusive of the LGBTQIAP+ community at work? At home? In your network? We get it!
Conversations related to sexuality and gender identity can be confusing, uncomfortable, or maybe even invasive.
As such, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you become more LGBTQIAP+ inclusive and an active ally.
BASIC TERMS
Sex assigned at birth: The sex (male or female) given to a child at birth, most often based on the child's external
anatomy. Note that some children will not have strictly male or female anatomy and may be considered intersex.
Gender Identity: One’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals
perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their
sex assigned at birth and may change over time.
Sexual Orientation: An inherent or immutable, enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people.
Note: an individual’s sexual orientation is independent of their gender identity.
DOS AND DON'TS OF LGBTQIAP+ INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
Not Inclusive More Inclusive
He or she Ask for pronouns
Ladies and gentlemen They, them, their, everyone
Homosexual Gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer (it’s
important to ask what term a person uses to
identify themself)
Mankind/manmade Humankind/made by hand
You guys Friends, colleagues, everyone, all
Policeman/fireman/etc. Police officer/firefighter/etc.
Male/female Man/woman (inquire about and use the
individual’s gender identity but only when
pertinent to the conversation. And remember,
there are genders outside the gender binary.)
Mr./Mrs./Ms. First or last name, Mx., or Dr. (if applicable)
Preferred pronouns Pronouns
Straight Heterosexual
Transgendered Transgender
Freshman First-year
COMING OUT
Coming out is a two step process* in which a person:
1. Comes out to themselves; acknowledging, accepting and loving who they are.
2. Willing shares their identity with others.
*An important thing to note: it is rare that an individual comes out only one time. LGBTQIAP+ individuals come out
all of the time. It can be scary, uncomfortable and exhausting. Your allyship will help ease this added layer of
coming out.
If someone comes out to you, you may not be sure how to respond or act. We’ve created an easy script to follow
that affirms and supports that person’s identity.
“Thank you so much for telling me and trusting me with this information. How are you feeling and how can I
support you?”
You may also consider asking if this information is confidential -- “Is this something you are publicly
acknowledging or would you like to keep this between you and me?”
It’s important not to downplay the significance of their “coming out” or to over exaggerate it. Also don’t pry, but
rather, let them know that you are open to discussing according to their comfort level. If you do happen to cross a
boundary or act in an inappropriate fashion, simply tell them “I am sorry for [INSERT MISTAKE HERE]. In the
future I will [INSERT REMEDY HERE].”
TOP TIPS FOR ACTIVE ALLYSHIP
• Call people forward instead of calling them out.
• Invest in company-wide initial and continuing education (avoid the checkmark).
• Greet groups of people with neutrality: friends, kids, group, students, company/team name, etc.
(rather than ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, etc.)
• Sponsor LGBTQIAP+ focused organizations and events.
• Review workplace documents and policies for inclusivity.
• Include pronouns in your email signature and introductions: she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.
info@[Link] • [Link] • [Link]