QTPOC

QTPOC

The queer lexicon is rife with initialisms and acronyms, all of which serve the myriad communities that exist in our complex universe and help to meet readers where they are, in their understanding of: gender identity and sexual orientation. Because many of these phrases are comparatively new in the traditional dictionary, and based on a thorough understanding of English, we understand if people have questions. We do say: it's always better to ask than to assume.

QTPOC is a phrase that centers the visibility of "Queer and Trans People of Color" and hence one we use at Asian Arts Initiative with some frequency, but other phrases that you might see in our programs descriptions and in the introductions of our participating artists regarding gender identity and sexual orientation include:

Queer

QPOC

LGBT, LGBTQIA, LGBT2SIA: Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Trans-Questioning-2 Spirit-Intersexual-Asexual

Gender Non-Conforming (GNC)

Trans/Trans-femme Trans-masc

Hijra or Kinnar: Hindi terms for gender non-conforming, trans and intersexual individuals.

Woman, Womyn, Womxn

Man/Men, Boi

Asexual/Ace and Aromantic

This is by no means an exhaustive list of terms, but more than anything, we emphasize inclusion. We highly recommend the Leeway Foundation's organizational guide to trans inclusion--TransForming Inclusion--as a document on the importance of trans inclusivity and understanding our language.