LGBTQIA+ inclusive language & pronouns
UNSW uses the acronym LGBTQIA+ as the inclusive umbrella that recognises the most common categories within gender and sexuality diverse populations, and people with innate variations of sex characteristics: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer-identifying people, intersex and asexual, with the '+' being an inclusive and intentional way of representing all identities and experiences that are not represented by the letters.
We acknowledge there are many other variations of this acronym, which carry many problems and reason for debate – and, no doubt, it's likely there will be new variations in the years to come. We realise that our choice may not reflect the preferred identification of all individuals and will continue to discuss with the LGBTQIA+ community which initialism conveys the greatest sense of belonging for everyone.
Inclusive language & pronouns guides
- Diversity Council Australia's Words at Work, opens in a new window.
- ACON's Language Guide for Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion, opens in a new window for details on how to use inclusive and non-offensive language.
- ACON’s Pronouns 101, opens in a new window
- TransHub on Pronouns - Different Types and How to Use Them, opens in a new window
- Wear It Purple's Guide to Misgendering & Pronouns.
This video guide to pronouns from Minus18, an Australian NGO championing LGBTQIA+ youth, explains the importance of pronouns.
Pronouns at UNSW
Pronouns are used to refer to people when we are not using their name. Using the correct pronoun shows respect. In the English language, pronouns often indicate gender. For many trans and gender diverse people, using the correct pronouns is an important and validating part of their gender affirmation. Some trans and gender diverse people may use gender-neutral pronouns, rather than binary male-female pronouns.
This video guide to pronouns from Minus18, an Australian NGO championing LGBTIQ+ youth, explains the importance of pronouns.
UNSW encourages staff and students to include their pronouns in their email signatures.
