Words have an impact on others when we speak to them, or they read them. The goal is to make our words count and for them to have a positive impact on others. In many cases, we fall short of that achievement.
We say things that we think are harmless and benign, only to find out that some of the words we use are very hurtful to others and, in many cases, might even be offensive. We all can choose our words, and as the saying goes, we must choose them wisely.
Language gives us the method of communication that relies on the words we make into sentences. Languages vary around the world and are shared by a community or society. We are dependant on our abilities to find the right words when it comes to communicating with others.
The words that we choose have a way of identifying who we are to other people; they act as a window into our thoughts and feelings.
As we move into Pride Month, it is more important than ever to find the rights words we are talking with or about the LGBTQ community. The words we choose to use are a way of signaling to others our commitment to equitable treatment for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
The term sexual preference is highly offensive to many in the LGBTQ community. The inference that a member of the LGBTQ community would choose to be different and live with the hate, discrimination, and alienation is preposterous and defies logic.
When someone uses the term sexual preference, they show their ignorance of the legal term for the LGBTQ community. Those who are willing and able to move towards the more appropriate and acceptable term sexual orientation signify their support for the LGBTQ community.
Preference is about choosing one thing over another. When we choose an ice cream flavor, we think about what it might be like to enjoy that flavor and decide based on our thoughts, feelings, and experiences with that flower.
Falling in love with someone is not the same as falling in love with a flavor of ice cream.
Orientation is about determination, like eye or hair color. In this case, who we are attracted to romantically and fall in love with is determined for us, not by us.
Having the eye or hair color we want at birth is determined for us.
When we use language that is supportive and esteeming, we change our relationships with others. Just like the words we hear impact us, the words we share with others affect them. We must be mindful and choose wisely and kindly.
The US Supreme Court has given us the legal term to use when we are dialoguing about our colleagues and friends who are members of the LGBTQ community. The decision made by the Supreme Court that serves to protect LGBTQ employees from discrimination in the workplace asserts sexual orientation and gender identity.
Using these terms, we can move toward reversing the hurt and pain of using disrespectful and ignorant words.
How will you use your words to positively impact others in the LGBTQ community with respect and acceptance during Gay Pride Month and throughout the year?
With much gratitude.
—
This post is republished on Medium.
***
You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project
Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often | Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It | The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex | ..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything |
Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.