Question about terminology/labels

Becky Groves of PFLAG Central Oregon posted a question on a PFLAG listserv, and I think it is interesting - and that Safe Schools Coalition folks could offer some good insight to her and each other.

Becky wrote:

I have a question from a Human Sexuality instructor in my chapter. I thought I would put it out there for some input. Here it is:

"I have become increasingly aware of an awkward feeling whenever I use the term homosexual, heterosexual, gay, Lesbian, transgender, straight, etc.
It is unavoidable in my class because these are the terms that we have to use and it seems that they have been so institutionalized as to have become acceptable by all who use them.

Are you aware, or can you ask someone who would be aware if there is some movement afoot to change our vocabulary to excise these sexually based terms?
It seems to describe someone's personhood by what is done in private is so crazy and is frankly repugnant to me. I hate labels but it seems we are stuck with them unless or until we demand change. We don't call women who have had abortions, "aborters", or people who eat meat, carnivores (except in a nutritional definition perhaps) as their primary description, then why should we define individuals by what they do sexually?"

I know a lot of young people are refusing to label themselves. What do you think about this? What kind of terminology is being used by those that don't want "labels"? Are there any thoughts from National about a change in these labels that we all use?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts on this.

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Thank you,
Gabi

The LGBT Leaders Meeting with Obama/Biden Transition Team

On Monday, December 15, 2008 this was posted on the National Youth Advocacy Coalition blog by Greg Varnum:

Last Wednesday national leaders from the LGBTQ community were invited to a group meeting with representatives from the Obama/Biden Transition Team. The historic meeting was an opportunity for LGBTQ leaders to share our thoughts and to continue a dialogue which began during the campaign and I hope continues throughout the Obama/Biden Administration.

and

For those of you that are interested, here is the participant list for this meeting, as kindly provided by Parag Mehta, Obama/Biden Transition Team LGBT Liaison.

It's an interesting list of people.

Read The LGBT Leaders Meeting with Obama/Biden Transition Team