QUEER WORD
Could a New Acronym Unite the Queer Community?

So, here’s where I think we’re at... ​

Some people feel uneasy about using queer as an umbrella term for our community, seeing it as a painful reminder of harsher times that we shouldn’t be in any kind of hurry to reclaim. ​

Others find the LGBTQIA+ acronym overly long and unwieldy—arguing that its meaning becomes diluted with each added letter. Not only this, but it either risks unintentionally excluding people, or demands constant updating to stay inclusive. ​

So, what do we do? ​

• Should we stick with LGBTQIA+?

• Find a snappier alternative?

• Scrap everything and start fresh? ​

Honestly, I have no clue. But I have had a lot of fun compiling some possible alternative acronyms for us to consider. ​And, trust me - there are plenty!

Let’s take a look: ​

• QUILTBAG: Queer/Questioning, Undecided, Intersex, Lesbian, Trans, Bisexual, Asexual/Allied, and Gay/Genderqueer ​

• DGASO: Different Gender And Sexual Orientations ​

• SGM: Sexual and Gender Minorities ​

• SOGI: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ​

• SOGIE: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression ​

• MOGAI: Marginalised Orientations, Gender Identities, and Intersex ​

• GSRM: Gender, Sexual, and Romantic Minorities ​

• SAGA: Sexuality and Gender Acceptance ​

• GLITTFAB: A New Zealand acronym for Gay, Lesbian, Intersex, Transgender, Takatāpui, Fa'afafine, Asexual, and Bisexual ​ ​(Takatāpui is the Te Reo Māori term for LGBTQIA+ people, and Fa'afafine is a Samoan term for non-binary individuals) ​

And if acronyms aren’t your thing, there are always other terms like:

• Rainbow Family

• Alphabet Mafia

• The Glitter Force

• Skittle Squad

So many options, so little time! ​

But Why All This Debate?

Now, I'll be honest – I used to feel a little impatient (and frustrated) by the fact that we couldn't settle on a term. It seemed like agreeing on something would make things much simpler - less worry about saying the wrong thing or unintentionally offending someone. ​

But the more I think about it, the more I see the beauty in the chaos. ​ Our community has never been about fitting neatly into boxes, so why should our language? ​

We’re a gorgeous, messy rainbow of identities and experiences. And yes, sometimes it feels like we’re all speaking slightly different languages—but isn’t that chaos part of what makes us so amazing? ​