“Gay” doesn’t cut it: Letter to the Editor
On Sunday June 20th, the NWA Times published an in-depth article (435 MB, PDF) about the Center’s All OUT June activities and the funding received from the Fayetteville A&P Commission. Earned (free) media is an important function of the Center in spreading awareness of our mission and is much appreciated. However, we think this is a good opportunity to start a dialogue about how the words the media uses are important. In particular, the use of the word “gay” in this article to solely describe the All OUT June festival is not a good way to include the diversity of our many members and supporters who identify in myriad ways. Read our letter to the editor below:
Dear Editor,
The NWA Center for Equality is thrilled that the media is covering All OUT June, an important event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population of Northwest Arkansas. These communities, along with allies and equality-minded people, are often underrepresented in the media. Part of that underrepresentation occurs when people from all identifications of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression get lumped under the moniker of “gay.”
Attempts at all-inclusive terms are common, like when the media refers to the employees of the subsidiary companies of Walmart as “Walmart associates.” While these associates from stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Neighborhood Market, Asda, and others may consider “Walmart associate” as an inclusive term, the same does not apply with LGBT people and the word “gay.”
We understand that the Associated Press standard encourages the use of the term “gay” in place of LGBT for reasons of clarity and minimizing confusion, but it effectively silences members of the community that don’t identify as “gay.” “Gay” is often understood or interpreted as applying only to men and use of it is not inclusive of a diverse community. While it’s not necessary to spell out every possible identification every single time, describing the diversity of identifications and not relying on an ineffectively inclusive word is appreciated.
We hope that people of all stripes come to celebrate All OUT June: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight, queer, allied, no identification…and yes, a few Walmart associates as well.
Sincerely,
Raymond Sweet, President
NWA Center for Equality
Very well stated. Thank you.