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.

 

The artist Christo Johnson / Yarrow sits on the front stoop of a brownstone building, leaning forward and gazing down at a coffee mug held with both hands. They are wearing an all-black ensemble, from fitted cap to graphic t-shirt, to jeans. Their arms are decorated with tattoos.
News Item

I am Unity: Christo Johnson / Yarrow

The Artist Vitche-boul Ra sits on an outdoor planter, laughing and holding s bunch of sunflowers. Ra is wearing a black jumpsuit, headscarf, light blue open jacket, and silver jewelry.
News Item

I am Unity: Vitche-boul Ra

Point of view from Pearl Street behind the AAI building, looking through double wide windows into a studio adorned on all walls with colorful flyers and prints. Painted banners hand from the ceiling displaying the slogan "UNITY Queer Skateboarding!!!!" and painted figures in embrace. The outside of the building is painted with a mural of the neighborhood.
Event

Unity Within the Initiative: Contribute Now!

Artist Golden Collier/Diasporan Savant smiles easily at the camera, wearing a tilted newsies cap, gray crewneck sweater, and hooded red winter jacket. He has on matching vibrant red lipstick, and a septum piercing.
News Item

I am Unity: Golden Collier

Artist Rana Ransom sits on the floor in a darkened room, lit only by a string of large LED lights on the ground in front of them. A keyboard rests between Rana and the lightstring, as they reach out to touch the keys.
News Item

I am Unity: Rana Ransom

A still from a video by artist JK Chang/SLIPSTREAM. Superimposed on collage of an open journal and fall foliage, JK's face and upper torso are tinted purple, their eyes are closed, and they are stretched into a curlicue to resemble an elongated fish body.
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I am Unity: SLIPSTREAM / JK Chang

Picture from outdoors of a capsule exhibition of queer and trans empowered artwork
Exhibition
to

Unity at the Initiative

A black and white image of artist Soleil Summer, as she stares directly into the camera, wearing hoop earrings, wire rim round glasses, and white billowy shirt tied loosely at the collar. Her hair is up in a bun, she her expression is neutral.
News Item

I am Unity: Soleil Summer

Photo is in black and white. Artist Marria Nakhoda is outdoors in front of a wooden fence with greenery spilling in through the slats. They are looking to the left of the camera, smiling with pursed lips, long hair falling over their shoulder. They are wearing a thin sweater and wire rim glasses.
News Item

I am Unity: Marria Nakhoda