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

Civil rights and civics lessons ... marriage equality and Proposition 8

Adam R wrote today on a PFLAG National Blog post Olbermann on Marriage Equality:

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC commented on his show recently about the passing of Proposition 8 in California, and his dismay and disappointment with the results. He wonders why anyone would want to deny another person the right to the same things that they enjoy.

Keith Olbermann is thoughtful, powerful, and wonderful. He said:

You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight. You are asked now to stand, on a question of...love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate. You don't have to help it, you don't have it applaud it, you don't have to fight for it. Just don't put it out.

Please watch & listen to his whole commentary here:

Thank you, Keith Olbermann.

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Join the Impact: A Protest for LGBTQ Rights in cities in EVERY state in America and some other countries.

Tuesday night was a bitter-sweet celebration. We came together to witness the first black man who will become our president, yet watched in sadness as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and California all voted down equal rights for all citizens.

This is not a 4 state issue. This is an issue of equality across America. Stand up and make your voice heard.

Join the Impact
This Saturday, November 15th
8:30AM HST - 10:30AM West Coast - 11:30AM Mountain - 12:30PM Central - 1:30PM East Coast

See jointheimpact.wetpaint.com for locations and more information.

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Safe Schools Coalition friend Steve Schalchlin wrote yesterday:

Asking for the right to marry does not change society except in one way: It makes it more just.

Read the whole blog post Steve ended with that line: Why SoulForce Marches.

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Also, see this post on my personal blog for a message from the band Rebecca Riots, and a link to a free song to download: Rebecca Riots - A Thousand Hands (Wedding Song '08).