terminology

What does the asterisk in “trans*” stand for?

"Trans*" Poster

A few people have asked why I write “trans*” (with the asterisk) instead of just “trans” when referring to trans* folks on my site.  Well, I’m happy to answer that!…A few people have asked why I write “trans*” (with the asterisk) instead of just “trans” when referring to trans* folks on my site.  Well, I’m [...]

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4 Reasons You Should Stop Saying “Non-Straight”

"Not How Labels Work" Comic

With all the talk of marriage equality, gay comic book weddings, and even gayer flowcharts flowing around the web, people are getting ever more sensitive about using inclusive language when…With all the talk of marriage equality, gay comic book weddings, and even gayer flowcharts flowing around the web, people are getting ever more sensitive about [...]

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Why your intentions don’t really matter, but outcomes do

"Ingrid's Intentionality Elixir" Comic

I’ve created a few graphics about when it’s okay to say “gay” and the one argument that keeps coming up goes something like “How can you regulate language? What’s offensive to one person… I’ve created a few graphics about when it’s okay to say “gay” and the one argument that keeps coming up goes something like “How can you regulate language? [...]

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Flowchart: when it’s okay to say “gay”

"I want to say gay" Flowchart

When I published my original flowchart, I said it was for the more analytical folks who are wondering if “gay” is the right word choice for them.  Well, this one…When I published my original flowchart, I said it was for the more analytical folks who are wondering if “gay” is the right word choice for [...]

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The Genderbread Person v2.0

The Genderbread Person v2.1

Heads up! I wrote a book all about gender that builds on the concepts I introduced with the Genderbread Person. If you appreciate this, you’ll love this book. Hundreds of comments,…Heads up! I wrote a book all about gender that builds on the concepts I introduced with the Genderbread Person. If you appreciate this, you’ll love this [...]

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When to use the word “gay”

When it's okay to use the word gay

This graphic was originally created to support this article, but then a comment was made saying this should be hung on every dorm wall in America.  A tall order, but… This graphic was originally created to support this article, but then a comment was made saying this should be hung on every dorm wall in [...]

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Sexual Orientation for the Genderqueer Person

birds-and-bees

This is an installment of the “Stepping Beyond the Genderbread Person” series, offering further explanation to themes and ideas presented in the original introduction article.  If you haven’t read the… This is an installment of the “Stepping Beyond the Genderbread Person” series, offering further explanation to themes and ideas presented in the original introduction article. [...]

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Political Correctness VS. Inclusiveness

Kramer

I would never ask you to be politically correct.  I’ve gotten some flak from my “When Gay is Okay” and “Why I say partner” articles.  People feel that I’m soap-boxing…I would never ask you to be politically correct.  I’ve gotten some flak from my “When Gay is Okay” and “Why I say partner” articles.  People [...]

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A visual aid: when “gay” is okay

When it's okay to use the word gay

Created a printer-friendly version of the first graphic (and a high-resolution version). Check it, share it, print it, love it.  Also, check out the new-and-improved flowchart. For those of you…Created a printer-friendly version of the first graphic (and a high-resolution version). Check it, share it, print it, love it.  Also, check out the new-and-improved flowchart. [...]

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Why I say “partner” instead of boyfriend or girlfriend

Howdy Partner

Using the term “partner” to replace boyfriend or girlfriend is widely suggested as a means to speak more inclusively, allowing gay, lesbian, or bisexual people feel more comfortable.  When I…Using the term “partner” to replace boyfriend or girlfriend is widely suggested as a means to speak more inclusively, allowing gay, lesbian, or bisexual people feel [...]

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If you call someone gay, he better be a guy who likes guys.

Gay Heart

View this article in handy printable graphic form if you don’t feel up to reading 400 words. Gay isn’t a bad word, assuming you’re using it to describe a man…View this article in handy printable graphic form if you don’t feel up to reading 400 words. Gay isn’t a bad word, assuming you’re using it [...]

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