Reporting Resources
Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology
The Stylebook on LGBTQ+ Terminology reflects our association’s mission of inclusive coverage of LGBTQ+ people and offers guidance on issues of language and reporting to help journalists cover LGBTQ+ communities and the issues affecting them with sensitivity and fairness, without bias or judgment.
This guide is not intended to be definitive or comprehensive. This guide is updated regularly as language is always changing.
This guide is intended to complement the prose stylebooks of individual publications, as well as The Associated Press Stylebook, the leading stylebook in U.S. newsrooms, which also has extensive guidance on language around gender, sex and sexual orientation.
acting, appearing
In general, avoid terms like these that assumes someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity is deceptive, incongruous or ingenuine. Example: He was straight-acting.
AIDS
See AIDS under Public Health Reporting section.
agender
See agender under Gender, Gender Identity section.
ally
A person who supports LGBTQ+ people and causes but does not personally identify as LGBTQ+. Some organizations use ally as part of the A in LGBTQIA, but be aware that some people and organizations strongly object to its inclusion.
aromantic
Someone who experiences little or no romantic attraction. Distinct from sexual orientation and gender identity.
asexual
See asexual under Sexual Orientation section.
balance, false balance
False balance is using discredited or opposing views when doing so is unnecessary or insensitive or would perpetuate falsehoods. Sometimes called bothsidesism. Be cautious about citing scientifically or ethically discredited views and data. Just as journalists should not default to quoting doubters of the scientifically established concept of climate change, they shouldn’t automatically give opponents of LGBTQ+ rights a voice unless it furthers the understanding of the issue or story. When considering if a story benefits from including opposing views, also consider if there are neutral views that can be included. See organization names.
bathroom bill
Avoid this politically charged term for measures that seek to grant or deny public accommodations for transgender people; opponents to transgender equity often focus on access to public restrooms. Acceptable in direct quotes. See gender-neutral under Gender, Gender Identity section.
biological
Avoid in reference to gender. See biological under Gender, Gender Identity section
bisexual
See bisexual under Sexual Orientation section.
breeder
Avoid this often-pejorative slang that refers to heterosexuals.
bridal
Industry term that often overemphasizes women engaged to be married, as in bridal expo or bridal registry. Gender-neutral terms such as wedding expo are preferred.
bride, groom
Bride/s is acceptable for female members of any couple recently or about to be married. Groom/s is similarly acceptable for male members of such a relationship. Ask subjects which term they prefer, as these terms might not apply to all individuals, particularly those who have different gender identities or reject traditional gender roles. If uncertain, use a gender-neutral term.
cisgender (adj.)
Refers to people whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth. See more detail under Gender, Gender Identity section.
civil union, commitment ceremony, domestic partnership
Prior to marriage equality, same-sex couples used formal and informal means to recognize their relationships, including civil unions, commitment ceremonies and domestic partnerships. After marriage equality, these options have been used less frequently but may still be available to same- and different-sex couples. Civil unions, still available in some states, provide legal status and equivalent rights as marriage. Commitment ceremonies are weddinglike events that may be religiously recognized but are not legally binding. Domestic partnerships provide some legal status and benefits; may be offered by municipalities and are available to same- and different-sex partners.
coming out
Shorthand for coming out of the closet. Accepting and letting others know of one’s previously hidden sexual orientation or gender identity. See closeted, in the closet; out, outing, openly.
commitment ceremony
See civil union, commitment ceremony, domestic partnership.
“conversion therapy”
The discredited practice of using psychological interventions to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Proponents may also call it “reparative therapy” or “sexual reorientation therapy.” Always use quotation marks, and always include the context that the practice has been opposed by the American Psychological Association and other groups of medical and mental health professionals, and that many U.S. states have banned conversion therapy for minors. See “ex-gay.”
cross-dresser
Preferred term for people who wear clothing most often associated with a different gender, and who describe themselves as such. Do not use the term transvestite unless a person uses it for themself. Not synonymous with transgender or drag performer.
cruising
Visiting places where opportunities exist to meet potential sex partners. Not exclusively a gay practice.
Defense of Marriage Act
The 1996 U.S. law that limited federal marriage recognition to those between one man and one woman; overturned in part by the 2013 Supreme Court case U.S. v. Windsor; in full by the 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, and legislatively repealed by the Respect for Marriage Act of 2022. Write out on first reference; DOMA is acceptable in subsequent references. See Respect for Marriage Act.
demi-, gray-
Prefixes used to describe conditional/partial or occasional, lower-intensity identification, respectively. Demisexual (adj.) is a sexual orientation that describes attraction that comes only with emotional bonding. Demigender (adj.) is an umbrella term describing partial identification with a certain gender and can include some nonbinary people. Examples include demiboy and demigirl. Graysexual (adj.) can indicate relatively limited sexual attraction. Graygender (adj.) can indicate an ambivalence toward one’s gender identity or expression.
domestic partner
See civil union, commitment ceremony, domestic partnership.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Shorthand for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass, the military’s former policy on gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. Under the policy, instituted in 1993, gay, lesbian and bisexual service members could stay in the military as long as they kept their sexual orientation secret. The military was not to ask service members about their sexual orientation; service members were not to tell others about their orientation; and the military was not to pursue rumors about members’ sexual orientation. When it was repealed in 2011, gay, lesbian and bisexual service members were able to serve openly without fear of being discharged. Sometimes abbreviated as DADT.
down low, DL
Can refer to men who secretly have sex with men. Men on the down low or on the DL may be in relationships with women and not identify as gay or bisexual. The term originated among Black men but has attained wider use; be aware that the term has the potential to racialize secrecy and could stigmatize Black queer experiences. Individuals might not use this term to describe themselves or their behavior, so use only in quotations or in broad references. See MSM.
doxyPEP
See doxyPEP, doxyPrEP under Public Health Reporting section.
drag queen, drag king
The practice of dressing and acting in ways typically associated with another gender, usually exaggeratedly so and for entertainment. A drag queen typically portrays women and a drag king typically portrays men. Drag performer is the gender-neutral term. The type of drag or impersonation is more strongly determined by the nature of the costume and performance than by the performer’s gender identity or sex.
Drag is not synonymous with but is sometimes considered a type of male impersonation or female impersonation, in which performances may be spoofs of a specific person or character or may be more subdued than a drag performance.
Drag is not synonymous with transgender, though some drag performers may identify as transgender. Some drag performers may identify themselves as cross-dressers. See cross-dresser.
Conservative politicians have recently renewed attempts to restrict or ban drag performances through legislation or through executive orders on “gender ideology” and diversity, equity and inclusion. For further details and resources, see NLGJA’s Topical Guidance: Covering Anti-Drag Legislation (June 2025.)
Drag Story Hour
The proper name for the nonprofit network of local, independently managed literacy programs featuring drag performers reading stories to children and teenagers, typically in libraries. Events are designed to be age-appropriate, and are not intended as adult content. Use the more generic drag story hour, drag queen story hour, or similar, if affiliation with the official network is unclear.
dressed as
Avoid this phrase, as in He dressed as a girl, which can assume a person’s gender identity or be sensationalistic.
dyke
Originally a pejorative term for a lesbian, some lesbians have reclaimed it. Offensive when used as an epithet. Use only if the subject uses it or in a quotation if there is a compelling reason to do so. See slang; slurs.
“ex-gay”
Describes the movement or adherents of a movement, mostly rooted in conservative religions, that aims to change the sexual orientation of gay, lesbian or bisexual people to straight. Use only in quotation marks, and always include the context that the practice is widely discredited in scientific circles See conversion therapy.
fag, faggot
Pejorative terms for a gay male. Extremely offensive when used as an epithet. Use only in a quotation and if there is a compelling reason. See slang; slurs.
families, parents
Do not differentiate families led by LGBTQ+ parents, or identify the parents’ sexual orientation or gender identity, unless there is a compelling reason or relevance. Do not use gay families or similar because it implies all members of the family are LGBTQ+. Do not mention genetic relationships or conception techniques, unless these details are relevant, such as in stories about adoption or in-vitro fertilization. Mother and father are commonly used for LGBTQ+ parents, but ask subjects how they wish to be identified.
fiancé, fiancée
Acceptable for engaged individuals before marriage. Gender-neutral options include engaged partner, person or couple. Ask individuals which terms they prefer.
gay
See LGBTQ+; out, outing, openly.
gay agenda
Politically charged term used by opponents that suggests LGBTQ+ activists have a unified, conspiratorial, ulterior political motive. Best confined to quotations.
gay bar
The widely known and accepted term for establishments that serve alcohol and cater to LGBTQ+ people. Variations like LGTBQ+ bar are also acceptable to be more inclusive but are less conversational and can be inaccurate when used for businesses that cater more directly to, say, a gay or lesbian clientele. If an establishment caters primarily to lesbians, use lesbian bar.
GLAAD
An advocacy group that monitors portrayals of LGBTQ+ people in the news media and entertainment. Once an acronym for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, it now goes only by its initials, pronounced “glad.” Do not confuse it with GLAD Law, a different organization.
GLAD Law
Shorthand for the advocacy group GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. GLAD Law is acceptable on first reference. Do not confuse it with GLAAD, a different organization.
groomer, grooming
Refers to the practice of building trust and eroding boundaries to facilitate the sexual abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Avoid using these terms, even in quotes, to portray LGBTQ+ people broadly as predators or as “recruiting” people, particularly children. See misleading associations.
hermaphrodite
Avoid this term. See intersex.
heterosexism
Presumption that heterosexuality is universal and/or superior to homosexuality. Also, prejudice, bias or discrimination based on such presumptions.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), a medical condition that weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections. HIV/AIDS is acceptable in collective references. For more context on reporting related to HIV/AIDS, see Public Health Reporting section.
homo
Use only if self-referential or in a quotation if there is a compelling reason. See slang; slurs.
homophobia (noun), homophobic (adj.)
Fear, hatred or dislike of homosexuality, gay men and/or lesbians. Similar terms are biphobia for bisexuals and transphobia for transgender people. Restrict to relevant usage, such as in quotations, opinions or broad references to the concept. Use LGBTQ+ rights opponents or similar instead of homophobes when describing people who oppose LGBTQ+ people, rights or activism.
homosexual, homosexuality
Avoid the obsolete term homosexual to refer to people. Homosexuality is acceptable when a noun is needed for the concept of same-sex attraction. The terms may be most useful when writing about scientific research that uses the terminology to describe sexual activity.
Human Rights Campaign
An advocacy group that describes itself as the largest national LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. Often abbreviated as HRC.
intersex (adj.)
An umbrella term describing people born with sex chromosomes, genitalia and/or a reproductive system not considered standard for either males or females. Parents and physicians usually assign a child born intersex as male or female and may elect for surgery or hormone treatment for the child, a practice many intersex adults seek to end. Refer to specific people as intersex only if they identify as such. Do not conflate intersex with transgender or nonbinary. Differences in sex development may be used in clinical contexts. Avoid disorders of sex development, medical jargon that disregards what some intersex people and doctors say are natural variations. Include specific conditions when relevant, with an explanation: She has Turner syndrome, in which one X chromosome is missing. Avoid the term hermaphrodite unless someone identifies as such, and then explain it is their preference.
LGBTQ+
See LGBTQ+ under Sexual Orientation section.
lifestyle
An inaccurate term sometimes used to describe the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Sexual orientation may be part of a broader lifestyle but is not one in and of itself, just as there is no straight lifestyle.
marriage
Avoid modifying the word marriage when possible, since there is no legal distinction in the U.S. between same-sex and different-sex marriages. When it is relevant to mention the distinction, marriage for same-sex couples is preferred over same-sex marriage or gay marriage.
misleading associations
Avoid misleading terms that seek to politicize, disparage or trivialize LGBTQ+ individuals’ lives, existence, rights or sexuality. Terms such as experimental, grooming, mutilation, pedophilia and sodomy are likely false and/or defamatory when used in stories about issues affecting LGBTQ+ communites. Consider paraphrasing quotes using such terms. If a quotation must be used, follow it up with a fact check. See politically charged terms. For examples, see biological; mutilation.
MSM
Abbreviation for men who have sex with men. It is a behavioral and public health category, used in a medical or scientific context. Does not reference sexual identity and is not synonymous with gay and bisexual men. See down low; Public Health Reporting section.
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists
An organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ issues. It was formed in 1990 as the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association and now goes by NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists. NLGJA is acceptable on second reference. For more information, visit www.nlgja.org/about.
nonbinary (adj).
See nonbinary under Gender, Gender Identity section.
obituaries
Be cautious to avoid inadvertently outing LGBTQ+ individuals in obituaries. Take care to use the name and gender identity the person used for themselves when alive. When reporting survivors, list partners of LGBTQ+ deceased in an order equivalent to spouses of heterosexual deceased. See birth name, deadname under Gender, Gender Identity section.
opposite sex
Avoid this term that buys into a scientifically obsolete view of sex as binary. Instead use terms like another sex or different sex.
organization names
Some groups that oppose or seek to restrict LGBTQ+ rights have benign-sounding names such as the Family Research Council, the American College of Pediatricians and the Women’s Sports Policy Working Group. Avoid treating such groups as authorities or using them for false balance; if they must be quoted or mentioned, use unbiased language to describe their mission or actions in addition to their official name. See balance, false balance.
out, outing, openly
As a verb, out means revealing the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone against their will. Derived from out of the closet. As an adjective or adverb, out refers to others’ knowledge of a person’s sexual orientation. Use out instead of the outdated openly when relevant, such as in references to public figures that allow for the possibility of closeted predecessors.
Example: Tammy Baldwin was the first out lesbian member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Avoid outing someone without consent or clear public relevance. Avoid words like acknowledged, avowed, admitted, confessed or practicing because of their inaccuracy or negative connotations. See Sexual Orientation section.
parent
See families, parents.
partner, lover
Gender-neutral terms for a sexual or romantic partner. Partner may connote a long-term commitment or cohabitation, similar to significant other. Lover used as a term for a committed partner may require more context for some audiences. Girlfriend or boyfriend are alternatives. Ask subjects their preferred term. In the case of polyamorous or nonmonogamous relationships, journalists may need to provide additional context depending on the audience.
pass (verb), passing (adj.)
Describes someone whose sexual orientation or gender identity is seen as either deceptive, ingenuine or implausible, or imperceptible or invisible. Example: She passes for straight. Assumes being heterosexual and cisgender is the preferred state. Best avoided because it can be unfounded, inaccurate, insensitive and even defamatory.
pink triangle
The insignia gay men were required to wear in Nazi concentration camps. It has been reclaimed as a gay pride symbol. See Pride, pride.
politically charged terms
Be wary of terms that seek to politicize, disparage or trivialize LGBTQ+ individuals’ lives, existence, rights or sexuality or that obscure the motivations or goals of opponents to LGBTQ+ rights. Quoting dehumanizing language without context can reproduce harm and is not neutral. Do not automatically use such terms, especially when more specific, neutral language can be used. If such terms must be used, fact-check them within the story. See false balance; misleading associations. For examples, see gay agenda; “gender ideology” under Gender, Gender Identity section; religious freedom; religious liberty; special rights; and NLGJA’s Topical Guidance: Covering Anti-Trans Executive Orders (June 2025.)
pregnant people
Acceptable phrasing to include people who are or may become pregnant but who do not identify as women. Generally avoid overly clinical terminology like people with uteruses.
Pride, pride
Lowercase p in the context of generally having pride in one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Uppercase P in reference to holidays and events that commemorate the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Examples: The pink triangle is now a symbol of gay pride. She couldn’t wait for Pride month to arrive.
Pride flag, rainbow flag
Originally a flag of stripes incorporating colors of the rainbow to symbolize hope and liberation for LGBTQ+ people. Other variations have become common, including versions with white, pink, light blue, brown and black stripes to represent transgender people, communities of color and lives lost to AIDS.
pronouns
See pronouns under Gender, Gender Identity section.
queen
A term for an effeminate gay man that has more recently become acceptable as slang among LGBTQ+ people. It sometimes describes a shared interest or disposition, for example: soccer queens, opera queens. Queen can still be offensive when used as an epithet. See drag; slang; slurs.
queer
See queer under Sexual Orientation section.
religious freedom, religious liberty
Political terms sometimes used to describe efforts to allow religious beliefs to be the basis for discrimination. Avoid them in favor of more specific phrasing: The legislator introduced a bill that would allow business owners to cite religious beliefs when turning away LGBTQ+ customers, not The legislator introduced a religious freedom bill to protect business owners who disagree with homosexuality.
Respect for Marriage Act
This 2022 federal law repealed the Defense of Marriage Act and revised federal law to recognize any marriage between two individuals that is valid under state law. It also provides that states must give full faith and credit to out-of-state marriages, codifying Loving v. Virginia and Obergefell v. Hodges. Do not abbreviate. See Defense of Marriage Act.
same-gender loving
Culturally affirming term used by some African Americans to describe same-sex relationships.
sex
Biological and physiological characteristics used to classify someone as male, female or intersex. Not synonymous with gender. See Gender, Gender Identity section.
slang
Like many minority communities, LGBTQ+ people have their own slang. It can be insensitive or offensive for people who are not members of an LGBTQ+ community or subcommunity to use such slang, so proceed with caution in news stories and don’t apply slang to individuals unless they use it for themselves. Some examples: twink (a young, slim gay man); lipstick lesbian (a feminine lesbian); butch (a lesbian who exhibits masculine traits); masc and fem or femme (short for masculine and feminine); bear (a large, hairy gay man). See slurs.
slurs
Acceptable only very rarely, such as in quotations if there is a compelling reason to include them, or if writers or story subjects are referring to themselves. Consider using hyphens in place of all but the first letter, or follow your organization’s style guidelines on slurs and profanities. See dyke; fag, faggot; queer; tranny.
sodomy
Collective term for sexual acts some jurisdictions have deemed illegal, and not synonymous with homosexuality or sex between gay men. The U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2003 in Lawrence v. Texas that state sodomy laws targeting private, consensual sex between adult partners violated the Constitution. The ruling is often seen as key in further legalization of relationships between same-sex couples.
special rights
Avoid this politically charged term used by opponents of civil rights for LGBTQ+ people in favor of alternatives such as LGBTQ+ rights or equal rights.
spouse
Gender-neutral term that is acceptable in all references to people in a marriage. Husband or wife is acceptable for a married partner of a man or woman, respectively, if the subject uses such a term themselves. Before using gendered terms, ask what the couple prefers.
Stonewall
The Stonewall Inn tavern in New York City’s Greenwich Village was the site of several nights of raucous protests after a police raid June 28, 1969. Although not the nation’s first LGBTQ+ rights event, it is now regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. The event is often referred to as just Stonewall. Example: The march was the most important event since Stonewall.
straight
Acceptable in all references as an adjective meaning heterosexual. As a noun, use heterosexual or straight person or people.
tranny
Do not use this derogatory slang for a transgender person. See slang; slurs.
Gender, Gender Identity
Accurate, respectful coverage of gender and gender minorities is imperative amid the current political and social hostility being leveled against transgender Americans, feminism and the concept of gender itself.
Gender and gender identity are distinct concepts. Gender is a social and psychological experience of self, distinct from sex, which refers to biological characteristics. Both are typically assigned at birth, based on visible anatomy, but that assignment may not align with a person’s actual gender identity.
Gender identity refers to a person’s deeply emotional and psychological sense of having a gender and encompasses a wide range of experiences, including being male, female, both or neither. A person’s knowledge or understanding of their gender identity may emerge over time.
Use the names, pronouns and language individuals use for themselves. Be cautious about assuming gender based on appearance, voice or name. Avoid reducing identity to stereotypes or emphasizing traditionally gendered traits (e.g., clothing, roles, emotions) unless directly relevant.
Ensure sources understand how their identity will be described. If needed, ask for clarification respectfully. Recognize that terminology is evolving and individual definitions may vary. It’s OK to ask: “What does that mean to you?”
Define unfamiliar terms without pathologizing or sensationalizing gender diversity. Do not present gender identity as fringe, new or in need of validation. Avoid framing the existence or rights of gender-diverse people as matters of opinion or controversy.
Consider the relevance and impact of including a subject’s gender identity. Ask: Is it relevant? Does it enrich the story? Could it introduce bias or reinforce stereotypes? Would it put the subject or their family at risk? Would you include similar details for a cisgender person in a comparable situation?
Provide factual context in stories about gender-based violence or anti-trans legislation. Make clear how people are affected differently based on gender.
Be precise when writing about sex and gender. Understand whether you are addressing one or the other, both or the nuances between them. For example, using same-sex/different-sex and same-gender/different-gender may carry different meanings in stories involving marriage or relationships.
Distinguish between sex assigned at birth, gender identity and gender expression when necessary for clarity.
Use inclusive language when appropriate. Phrases such as people of all genders or pregnant people can promote accuracy and avoid exclusion if gender diversity is relevant.
See demi-, gray-; lifestyle; out, outing, openly; Sexual Orientation section. For further details and resources, see NLGJA’s Topical Guidance: Covering Anti-Trans Executive Orders (June 2025.)
agender (adj.)
Defined as not having a gender; not synonymous with asexual or genderqueer. Some agender people say they lack gender, while others say they are gender neutral. Agender people might identify as transgender, nonbinary, both or neither. See genderqueer; Sexual Orientation section.
biological
In reference to gender, do not use terms such as biological truth or biological sex. Opponents of legal protections for transgender people often use such terms as political branding tools to misconstrue gender identities and oversimplify the factors that determine a person’s sex, which include chromosomes, internal sex organs, external genitalia and reproductive cells. Do not use phrases such as biological male to refer to transgender girls and women or biological female to refer to transgender boys and men. If a quotation containing such terms must be used, follow it up with a fact check.
birth name, deadname
The name given to a trans person at birth that they no longer use. To use or call someone by their deadname without their express permission is considered deeply offensive to most trans people. Obtaining a deadname for the purpose of a public records request does not imply permission to release it publicly. Deadname is not interchangeable with legal name, as many trans people change their legal name to align with their gender identity. See obituaries.
cisgender (adj.)
Describes someone whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth — that is, not a transgender person. Useful in distinguishing people by gender identity when relevant and without implying that cisgender is the neutral or normal state. It is acceptable to shorten on subsequent references to cis. Cisgender is a neutral term, though some opponents of transgender rights attempt to portray it as a slur. Cishet, or cis-het, is sometimes used to describe people who are both cisgender and heterosexual, but it can be pejorative, so use with caution.
demigender
See demi-, gray-.
detransition (noun, verb)
Indicates the cessation or reversal of a gender transition. Detransitioning may be the result of regret or medical necessity; do not assume to know why a person has chosen to do so. Studies suggest the incidence of regret is very small. Journalists should be aware that detransition anecdotes are often strategically pushed by opponents of gender-affirming care to undermine access. While describing a person’s choice to detransition is acceptable, do not use the politicized term detransitioner, which has been adopted by proponents of anti-trans legislation. See gender-affirming care.
gender-affirming care
Refers to health treatments, such as counseling, puberty blockers, hormones and surgery, that help align traits of a person’s gender expression, such as voice, appearance or anatomy, with their gender identity. Gender-affirming care can serve all people, not just transgender people, and can include treatments such as breast removal or hormones for boys with gynecomastia or hair removal for girls or women with hirsutism.
Gender-affirming care is often, but not always, part of a gender transition. Not all transgender people choose or can afford to undergo gender-affirming treatments. Refer to a person’s gender-affirming care only when relevant.
Some gender-affirming care for transgender people may also be known by such terms as sex reassignment, sex realignment, gender affirmation or gender confirmation.
Avoid overemphasizing the role of surgery in the transition process. If surgery is involved, use gender-affirming or gender-affirmation surgery. Avoid abbreviations such as GAS, GCS or SRS, and avoid the obsolete term sex change. When relevant, top surgery and bottom surgery can be used to describe gender-affirming operations on the chest and genitalia, respectively. Do not describe people as pre-op or post-op.
Politicians, legislation and policies restricting access to health care for transgender youths and adults often avoid the term gender-affirming care, but it is the phrase used by leading medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Opponents of such treatments often inaccurately describe them as experimentation or mutilation, but they have been standard practice for decades to treat gender dysphoria and are not controversial within most credible medical circles.
gender-bender (noun), gender-bending (adj.)
Refers to a person who intentionally does not conform to predominant, binary gender roles or expression. Use only if self-referential or in a quotation where there is a compelling reason.
gender-diverse (adj.)
Can indicate a group comprising people who may identify as a gender different from cisgender; may also indicate a group that includes transgender and cisgender people.
gender-expansive (adj.)
Umbrella term that can be used to describe individuals who identify as transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, agender or no label at all. Often used in youth-related contexts.
gender dysphoria (noun)
Psychiatric diagnosis that identifies the distress people experience when their gender identity does not align with their assigned sex and gender. This diagnosis is often a prerequisite for transgender people to receive gender-affirming care. Avoid the obsolete term gender identity disorder.
gender expression
Refers to the appearance, traits and mannerisms someone presents to communicate gender identity. Feminine, masculine and androgynous traits can be present in people of any gender or gender expression. Gender expression may or may not match a person’s sex.
genderfluid (adj.), genderfluidity (noun)
Refers to a person whose gender identity or expression is not fixed and can vary between, and extend beyond, male and female.
“gender ideology”
Anti-trans politicians and activists use this politically charged term to reject the established concept of gender as social construct and politicize an entire identity group, dismissing a transgender individual’s life as a political stunt rather than a demographic characteristic. Avoid this and related phrases, such as “gender ideology extremism.” If used in a direct quotation, fact-check it within the story. The similar “discriminatory equity ideology” is an oxymoron misrepresenting the ideals of fair access and opportunity as unjust. Like reverse discrimination, it scapegoats a disadvantaged community by reframing a privileged community as victims.
gender-neutral (adj.)
Indicates facilities intended to be used by anyone, regardless of gender. For facilities intended to be used only by men or only by women, use terms like men’s and women’s or, when required, single-gender or gender-segregated.
gender-nonconforming (adj.), gender nonconformity (noun)
Refers to a gender presentation that does not necessarily align with the expectations of a gender binary. Gender nonconformity has more to do with gender expression than gender identity and can apply to people of any gender.
gender transition, transition
The process by which transgender people change their characteristics from those associated with the sex assigned to them at birth, potentially including adopting the aesthetic markers of the new gender, such as makeup or facial hair; telling one’s family, friends and/or coworkers; changing one’s name and/or sex on legal documents; hormone therapy; and surgery or other body modification procedures. Transitions are very personal and occur over time. Mention a person’s gender transition in a story, and its details, only when relevant, such as health care access or legal documentation issues. Avoid the obsolete term sex change. Not synonymous with gender confirmation/affirmation or sexual reassignment. See gender-affirming care.
gender variant
Indicates gender nonconformity; usually found in academic writing.
genderqueer (adj.)
An identity related to nonbinary and gender-nonconforming in that it describes a person who does not subscribe to gender norms. Use only when relevant and only when people describe themselves as such.
mutilation
Do not use to refer to gender-affirming care. Anti-trans politicians and activists use phrases like “chemical and surgical mutilation” to falsely equate gender-based health care, especially for youths, with surgical malpractice, medical abuse and sexual abuse. Surgery performed with informed consent by a physician is not mutilation. See gender-affirming care.
nonbinary (adj.)
Refers to a person whose gender identity and/or expression is not strictly male or female. Nonbinary people may identify as somewhere between male and female or reject a binary categorization of gender altogether. Use if a person self-identifies as nonbinary, or in quotations or names of organizations. Some nonbinary individuals identify as trans.
pronouns
It’s best practice to use the pronouns a source uses for themself. If you are uncertain — because of a name that is androgynous or spelled in an untraditional way, for example — confirm by asking and consider delaying publication if necessary. Use of they/them/their as singular, gender-neutral pronouns is common enough to not require explanation. Do not avoid or write around these pronouns. Alternative gender-neutral pronouns, such as zie/zim/zis (sometimes called neopronouns) are acceptable if requested and may require brief explanation in a story or broadcast.
Prioritize clarity; avoid ambiguity. For example, the meaning of the sentence “Robert Sanchez, a member of the group of environmentalists, said they disagree with points of the organization’s mission” hinges on whether they refers to Sanchez or environmentalists. The options for recasting would depend on the context available to the journalist and on the story’s audience.
Some people use multiple pronouns, such as she/they or he/she/they. Especially in longer-form reporting, look for ways to incorporate both or all of a person’s pronouns without confusing the reader; don’t automatically default to one unless the person agrees to it.
Avoid the term preferred pronouns, as it implies that calling people other than what they want to be called is a viable alternative. Be cautious about references to chosen pronouns because they are not always chosen. Instead, when relevant, indicate that a source uses a pronoun or pronouns, or what a source’s pronouns are.
For further details and resources, see NLGJA’s Topical Guidance: Covering Legislation & Executive Orders Targeting Chosen Names & Pronoun Use (June 2025.)
sex assigned at birth
Proper term for the classification of a baby by doctors, parents or others as male, female or intersex, judging by visible genitalia at birth that may not align with a person’s true sex or future gender identity. Especially in contexts of gender identity, avoid using just sex; often the key distinctions are the assignment and its timing. Assigned sex is acceptable on subsequent references. Generally avoid the abbreviations AFAB (assigned female at birth) and AMAB (assigned male at birth). Do not use biological sex. See biological.
sex change
Avoid this obsolete term in favor of gender transition or gender affirmation.
TGNCNB
Acronym for transgender, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary, which is gaining wider usage to include these distinct minority gender identities in an umbrella term.
trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF)
A TERF is an adherent of trans-exclusionary radical feminism, an ideology that opposes social or legal classification of people as anything other than the gender they were assigned at birth. People who do not refer to themselves as TERFs may object to the term and may instead refer to themselves as gender-critical. The term TERF is sometimes misapplied as a synonym for anyone who espouses transphobic beliefs. Use these terms only if the subject uses them. Both terms require explanation and context. It is better to be specific about a person’s or group’s actions and beliefs than to label them with an ideological shorthand. For example, anti-trans may be more accurate. See transphobia.
transgender (adj.)
Refers to someone whose sex or gender is different from the one they were assigned at birth; often abbreviated to trans. Do not use transgendered, which is offensive and implies something must have happened to make a person transgender.
There are identities that may overlap or be separate from transgender identity. For example, people who are nonbinary, genderqueer and agender; intersex people; and cross-dressers, drag queens and kings, female or male impersonators may identify as transgender.
In news coverage, identify people as transgender only when relevant to the subject matter and if they are widely known or describe themselves as such. Otherwise, refer to trans men as men and trans women as women. It is usually not necessary to say someone identifies as a particular gender, as you can simply say that someone is transgender.
Don’t disclose an individual’s gender identity history or trans status unless a person’s gender experience adds necessary clarity and you have their informed consent. For instance, if a source’s lived experience as a trans woman informs her expertise or a policy or law has a disproportionate impact on her, make that connection clear.
In addition to the usual legal and ethical precautions, journalists should take special care when reporting on children, given recent political and social hostilities toward gender-affirming care for youths.
For further details and resources, see NLGJA’s Topical Guidance: Covering Anti-Trans Executive Orders (June 2025.)
trans
Colloquial shorthand for transgender. Useful in subsequent references, in headlines, and when paired with man, woman, boy or girl.
transgender man, transgender boy
A person who was assigned female at birth but identifies and/or lives as male. Usually shortened to trans man or trans boy (not transman or transboy). Use only when the subject prefers it and when transgender status is relevant; otherwise, identify a news subject as a man or a boy, as appropriate. FTM, or female-to-male, is generally seen as outdated.
transgender woman, transgender girl
A person who was assigned male at birth but identifies and/or lives as female. Usually shortened to trans woman or trans girl (not transwoman or transgirl). Use only when the subject prefers it and when transgender status is relevant; otherwise, identify a news subject as a woman or a girl, as appropriate. MTF, or male-to-female, is generally seen as outdated.
transgendered
Do not use this offensive term that carries negative connotations, including the implication that something must have happened to make a person transgender, or that being transgender is a choice.
transgenderism
Do not use this offensive term, which falsely portrays gender as an ideology. See “gender ideology”.
transphobia (noun), transphobic (adj.)
Fear, hatred or dislike of transgender people; prejudice and discrimination against them. May be harbored by people of any sexual orientation or gender identity, including trans people themselves. Adjective form is transphobic.
transsexual
Avoid this obsolete term for transgender unless the subject prefers it. Consider paraphrasing quotes containing the term, which may inaccurately imply a person has undergone gender-affirming surgery.
two-spirit (noun, adj.)
An Indigenous person in North America believed to possess a mixture of masculine and feminine spirits. Not directly synonymous with any communities that form the LGBTQ+ umbrella, although two-spirits can also consider themselves LGBTQ+. Its use and meaning can vary by tribe and individual. Use only in broad references or if an individual uses it. Lowercase and hyphenated unless part of a proper name or title. Do not use the adjective two-spirited, which can carry disrespectful connotations.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation refers to sexual, emotional or romantic attraction to another person, which can manifest through self-identification, behavior or social affiliation. Broadly, sexual orientation includes sexual attraction to those of the same sex/gender (homosexual), a different sex/gender (heterosexual), any sex/gender (pansexual, bisexual) and no attraction to others (asexual). In legal contexts, such as antidiscrimination laws and policies, sexual orientation is used to cover majority and minority communities.
Avoid imprecise terms such as sexual preference or sexuality. Sexual preference implies a choice; sexuality refers to sexual activity generally. Sexual identity, a related but distinct concept, refers to a person’s perception of their own sexuality and may incorporate elements of sexual orientation and gender identity, but might not.
Never assume a person’s sexual orientation. It may not be apparent and should not be inferred from appearance, relationship history or community involvement. When relevant, ask respectfully how a source identifies, and make sure they understand how their identity will be represented in the story.
Evaluate the relevance of including sexual orientation in your story. Ask: Is it necessary? Does it add depth or highlight discrimination or disparity? Could it introduce bias or cause harm? Would you include the same detail about a heterosexual subject in a similar context? Always examine your motivation and assess the potential impact on the subject and their family.
See demi-, gray-; lifestyle; out, outing, openly; Gender, Gender Identity section.
asexual (noun, adj.)
Refers to someone who doesn’t experience sexual attraction, and may or may not experience romantic attraction (aromantic). More closely associated with sexual orientation than with gender; not synonymous with agender or gender-nonconforming. See aromantic.
bisexual (noun, adj.)
No hyphen. As a noun, a person attracted to one’s own gender and an additional one or more genders. As an adjective, of or relating to attraction to one’s own gender and an additional one or more genders. Does not presume nonmonogamy. Biphobia is the fear, hatred or dislike of bisexuality or bisexuals and may be harbored by LGBTQ+ people, as well as heterosexuals. Bisexuals may also identify as pansexual. See pansexual.
demisexual
See demi-, gray-.
gay (noun, adj.)
Refers to men who are attracted to other men. Do not use as a singular noun: Juan is gay, not Juan is a gay. Acceptable in tight headlines and in quotations to refer collectively to gays and lesbians. See homosexual; lesbian.
lesbian (noun, adj.)
Preferred term for women who are attracted to other women. Some women prefer to be called gay instead of lesbian; when possible, ask the subject which term she prefers. See homosexual.
LGBTQ+
Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, and other sexual and gender minorities. Be cautious about referring to the LGBTQ+ community, as there are multiple communities that could overlap, diverge or might have differing interests. For example, LGBTQ+ people or individuals or the transgender community may be more accurate. Also be aware that there is not universal agreement on a name and organizations might use different terms depending on their location, who they serve or their audience. Shorter and longer variations exist but might be less inclusive or more cumbersome for general readers and could require explanation. LGBTQ includes people who identify as queer or who are questioning their sexual orientation; LGBTQIA includes intersex, asexual and agender people; LGBTQIA2S+ specifically includes two-spirits and other sexual and gender minorities. Writers and organizations should decide for themselves, based on their audience and intent, what level of specificity and explanation is needed. Be aware that acronym choices may reflect generational, cultural or political identity distinctions. Do not use abbreviations that exclude key communities in stories about them. See TGNCNB under Gender, Gender Identity section.
pansexual (noun, adj.)
Refers to person attracted to people regardless of gender. As an adjective, of or relating to attraction to people regardless of gender. Does not presume nonmonogamy. Pansexuals may also identify as bisexual. See bisexual.
queer (adj.)
Originally a pejorative substitute for gay, now reclaimed by some LGBTQ+ people. Use with caution; still offensive when used as an epithet and might be offensive to many LGBTQ+ people regardless of intent. Consider your audience before using queer; explain its meaning if needed. Sometimes it is meant as an umbrella term synonymous with the abbreviation LGBT and its variations. However, some people who call themselves queer may do so because they find other labels inaccurate or restrictive, so the abbreviation LGBTQ+ includes them. And some straight people who identify with LGBTQ+ culture, such as children of queer parents, call themselves culturally queer.
transgender
See transgender under Gender, Gender Identity section.
Public Health Reporting
Recognize the ways sexual orientation and gender identity intersect with public health, and approach your reporting with attention to inclusivity and precision.
Use respectful, person-first language and avoid stigmatizing terms. Do not pathologize LGBTQ+ identities, rely on stereotypes or introduce moral framing. Avoid terms like victim, suffers from and afflicted with, which can imply helplessness or identity defined by illness. Instead, use neutral terms such as person with HIV. If relevant, describe symptoms, severity or prognosis using clear, factual language without emotional tone.
Contextualize health disparities without implying blame. Some infectious diseases, cancers, and mental health and substance use disorders disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ communities. These disparities often result from systemic bias, housing and insurance inequities, discriminatory laws and policies, barriers to affirming care and other economic and social determinants—not from sexual orientation or gender identity itself.
Avoid false causality in health outcomes. Don’t imply that sexual orientation or gender identity causes poor health. At the same time, don’t downplay vulnerabilities in other populations. Explain that delayed diagnosis and interrupted care can stem from mistrust of medical workers, past discrimination or legal and financial barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Seek out voices from underrepresented groups. Make a point of including perspectives from trans people, LGBTQ+ people of color and those living in rural areas. Approach interviews with empathy, recognizing that fear of stigma may discourage participation.
Rely on current, culturally competent research. Consult LGBTQ+ health experts and community organizations in addition to sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Clarify when official sources may be misleading or disputed. If quoting government reports or policies, identify whether they are scientifically disputed, shaped by political interference or omit key context.
AIDS
Acceptable in all references for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a medical condition that compromises the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to infections. The S, which stands for syndrome, is always uppercase. AIDS is caused by HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. People may be HIV-positive but not have AIDS. Do not use the term full-blown AIDS. For people who have the condition, use phrases like person with AIDS or people with AIDS.
Because AIDS first emerged in gay men in the 1980s, coverage of LGBTQ+ communities has often been shaped by this history and must be handled with care. Avoid language that stigmatizes people and perpetuates misinformation and fear.
Men who have sex with men remain among the communities most affected by HIV/AIDS, but many other demographics are disproportionately affected — e.g., Black and Latino communities, women and rural populations — underscoring systemic issues like racism, poverty and health care inequity.
While untreated HIV is deadly, treatments exist that can reduce viral load to undetectable, untransmittable levels. See PrEP; undetectable, untransmittable; antiretroviral therapy.
antiretroviral therapy
A regimen of medications to treat HIV, which reduces the amount of HIV genetic material present in a patient’s blood (i.e., viral load) and lowers risk of transmission; abbreviated as ART on subsequent references.
blood donation
Blood donor requirements implemented in the 1980s during the AIDS crisis have been revised over the years to be less discriminatory against gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. However, take care not to omit facts about blood donation that may disproportionately affect queer communities, where relevant. Food and Drug Administration guidance recommends deferred donation for people on oral or injectable PrEP regimens, as well as people who have engaged in anal sex with a new partner or partners within the last three months.
doxyPEP, doxyPrEP
DoxyPEP is an acceptable shorthand for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, a regimen of antibiotics that can be prescribed after sex to prevent sexually transmitted bacterial infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. Considered useful for gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men. There is less evidence about the efficacy of doxyPrEP, shorthand for doxycycline pre-exposure prophylaxis, to prevent infections before sexual encounters occur. See PEP; PrEP.
gender-affirming care
See Gender, Gender Identity section.
HIV, HIV disease
HIV is acceptable in all references for human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS. Do not use the redundant term HIV virus. Some doctors use the term HIV disease because there are other types of acquired immunodeficiencies caused by toxins or by other diseases.
HIV-positive, HIV-negative
People can be HIV-positive without having AIDS. Include the hyphen in all instances for HIV-positive and HIV-negative.
minority stress model
A research-based framework widely used in psychology and public health to explain how chronic stress stemming from stigma, prejudice and discrimination can lead to poorer mental and physical health outcomes for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ people.
According to the model, stressors such as prejudice, violence, anticipated or actual rejection, concealing one’s identity, and internalizing negative societal attitudes increase the risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and other health problems.
Reporting with this model in mind can add depth and accuracy to coverage by linking individual and community experiences to broader systemic forces. Provide clear, evidence-based context to explain how inequities contribute to disparities.
mpox
The correct name for the viral illness previously known as monkeypox. Men who have sex with men were most at risk in the global mpox outbreak of 2022-2023, highlighting disparities in public health outreach and vaccination, experts say.
PEP
Shorthand for post-exposure prophylaxis, a short regimen of medications prescribed to HIV-negative people immediately after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from establishing an infection. See doxyPEP, doxyPrEP.
PrEP
Shorthand for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a regimen of medication prescribed to some HIV-negative gay men and other high-risk people to help prevent HIV infection if they are exposed to the virus. Medications may be administered via daily pills or periodic injections. PrEP refers to the regimen, not the medication itself. Example: He is on PrEP, not He took his PrEP with breakfast. It can be considered a form of safer sex, though it does not protect against infections other than HIV. See doxyPEP, doxyPrEP.
safe sex, safer sex
Practices can include not just barriers such as condoms, but also medication regimens such as PrEP, which can help prevent HIV infection. Some organizations use the term safer sex to underscore that no sexual contact is completely without risk.
suicide
Approach with care. Research shows detailed or frequent coverage can increase suicide rates. Cover only when there is clear news value, such as involvement of a public figure or major public impact.
Avoid dramatizing or leading with method, tools or location. Use “died by suicide” or “killed themself” instead of “committed suicide,” except in quotations. Do not describe attempts as successful or unsuccessful.
Frame suicide as a preventable public health concern, not a moral failing. Avoid attributing a single cause. When covering LGBTQ+ communities, acknowledge disproportionate risk factors such as minority stress within the context of systemic inequities, not individual blame.
Include an editor’s note referring to a crisis-intervention resource early in the story. Example: If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. See minority stress model.
undetectable, untransmittable
For people living with HIV who attain an undetectable level of virus by consistent use of antiretroviral therapy, there is near 0% risk of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner. This is often summarized in public health campaigns as U=U or Undetectable = Untransmittable. Avoid such shorthand and instead, where necessary, briefly explain what an undetectable viral load is. See antiretroviral therapy.
Additional Resources
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Rapid Response Task Force
Members and staff of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists work daily with our colleagues in the news industry to fulfill the organization’s mission of fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ+ communities. Sometimes a response to problematic coverage requires a targeted approach from the Rapid Response Task Force. This panel of working journalists from mainstream and LGBTQ+ media answers complaints about reporting seen as unfair and/or inaccurate by readers, viewers, listeners and our peer journalists. The Rapid Response Task Force usually does not respond to editorials (unless predicated on inaccurate information), op-eds or letters to the editor.
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