Las Vegas’ Pride Celebration Is Coming; Let’s Talk Pronouns And LGBTQ+ Terms
The proper pronouns, when engaging with our LGBTQ friends and family have become more important as we evolve as humans. Getting familiar with explosion of terms, such as non-binary or cisgendered can be confusing. The first time someone called me Cis, I was like, ” What did you call me?”
To be an Ally
First, let me say that I have been an ally in the LGBT community as long as I can remember. I developed my sensitivity early in life. My Grandmothers best friend “Uncle Eddie”, had the most perfect afro, always wore a colorful silk robe with a velvet collar and had a perfect manicure at all times! I was about seven years old, and I remember friends and family members calling Uncle Eddie flamboyant and feminine. And when I tell you, that he was my favorite adult, ever? There was substance abuse and turmoil in my family when I was growing up, and Uncle Eddie was the light in dark days. He was so expressive and fun, I felt seen and at ease to be me when he was around. My mom told me that Uncle Eddie was gay, and that some people were threatened by his presence. She also said, “We are NOT those people!” That he should be respected and loved like any part of our family.
Treating Others With Respect
Uncle Eddie passed away in quarantine in 1979, I was eight years old. This was just before the ramp up of the AIDS epidemic. He had such an effect on my life in the best way. From Uncle Eddie, I learned that even when the world seems to be crazy and against you always look amazing and treat people, all people, with love and respect. Peridot!
So, if the highest form of respect is to speak to people how they want to be identified? Then I want to learn the best way to do that! I’m not sure which pronoun Uncle Eddie would have been comfortable with, but I do remember how being seen made me feel. Let’s keep this simple.
How do YOU identify? Which pronouns are you comfortable with?
Gender Identity Labels
- Cisgendered– Gender Identity that corresponds to sexual assignment at birth
- Non binary– Gender Identities outside of the male/ female, and man/woman
- She/Her– The gender specific pronouns that typically refer to women or girls.
- He/ Him– The gender specific pronouns that typically refer to men or boys.
They /Them- These pronouns are NOT gendered. To make it simple, according to verywellmind.com, “When someone uses they/them as their pronouns, it means that you should refer to them with those pronouns. Even if you think the person looks like a “she” or a “he,” the appropriate thing to do is to use the pronouns that a person informs you are the right ones for them.”
I identify as cisgender and my pronouns are she/her. Hopefully this makes it easier to understand where you fall in the language. Hopefully this article gives you insight on how you can begin to inquire what others are comfortable with.
Las Vegas LGBTQIA Icons
Senator David R. Parks
Senator David R. Parks is the first openly gay man in the Nevada State Legislature. He’s fought through a landscape that has hurled a multitude of harassment and sharp words toward him. Despite this, he’s been a loyal public service in Nevada, fighting for civil rights for marginalized communities.
