ASKING LGBTQIA+ individuals for their preferred names and pronouns is a crucial step in promoting respect and inclusivity, according to an advocate for the community.
In a seminar hosted by the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR 7) for Cebu media members and campus journalists, Ge Ygay, a member of the Cebu United Rainbow LGBTQ Sector (Curls), emphasized the importance of shaping public perception and reducing stigma through responsible media reporting on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
“It’s okay to ask LGBTQIA+ individuals their preferred names and pronouns when you are reporting,” Ygay said in Cebuano.
LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more.
During Ygay’s talk about “Getting the story right: Reporting LGBTQIA+ and people living with HIV,” she emphasized the importance of consent and the need to cover such stories responsibly, urging journalists to use inclusive language and adopt thoughtful practices in their reporting.
“When quoting someone, asking about their pronouns and using them correctly shows respect and validates their lived experience,” Ygay said.
The CHR’s seminar training is about the media, human rights, and the vulnerable sector with the program titled, “A Seminar-Training for the Members of the Media in Cebu in Reporting News Involving Violence and Vulnerable Sectors.”
Terms
Ygay pointed out that some terms, though long-used, need to be corrected as they can demean or offend LGBTQIA+ individuals.
For example, the word “bayot” or gay has often been used to describe someone as weak or cowardly.
While it may sometimes be used in specific contexts, Ygay emphasized that it should not be used to reinforce negative stereotypes.
Ygay explained that while phrases like “Gikulata siya kay bayot daw siya (He was beaten up because they said he’s gay)” might be acceptable, but using it in context like, “Sige og tabi kay bayot man (He keeps gossiping because he’s gay)” is harmful and perpetuates negative biases.
Ygay also explained that the term “tomboy” typically refers to a girl who displays behaviors or traits traditionally associated with boys. While it may sometimes be used as an identity, Ygay clarified that “tomboy” relates to gender expression, not sexual orientation.
Unless someone specifically identifies as a tomboy, the term should not be used to label them.
Similarly, terms like “Binabae, Binabaye, Nag-binabae” and “lalakihan/lakin-on” are occasionally used within the trans community, but Ygay noted that these terms can be offensive, as they suggest that being a trans woman or man is simply a performance or act.
Ygay added that terms are also used to insult people whose gender expression does not align with societal expectations; as such, they should only be used if the individual personally identifies with them.
Ygay also said that a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation should only be mentioned if relevant in the writer’s story.
Ygay also discouraged the use of “deadnames,” or the former names of transgender individuals.
“Referencing someone’s past name disregards their affirmed identity. Do not ask questions about a transgender person’s genitals or their body,” Ygay said.
Moreover, Ygay said the term “sex change” is discouraged; instead, use “gender affirmation surgery.”
They also encouraged the use of terms like “transgender person,” “transman,” or “transwoman” as adjectives rather than nouns, emphasizing that accurate and respectful language helps shape public perception.
“Inclusive and accurate reporting is a crucial step toward fostering a society where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued,” Ygay said in Cebuano.
Ygay noted that, over the years, Cebuano media has gradually evolved and become more responsive to the needs of the community.
However, she said there is still much progress to be made to achieve full inclusivity. / CDF
