LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Language Guide

OFFICIAL

Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................2
Who is this guide for?...........................................................................................................................................2
Language is always evolving...............................................................................................................................2
What does the term ‘LGBTIQA+’ mean?.............................................................................................................2
Why are we adding the ‘A’?.................................................................................................................................2
Why can’t I see the term I’m looking for?.............................................................................................................3
What is inclusive language?.................................................................................................................................3
Why is inclusive language important?..................................................................................................................3

Key terms............................................................................................................................................................4
Gender.................................................................................................................................................................4
Sex.......................................................................................................................................................................5
Sexuality or sexual orientation.............................................................................................................................5
Intersectionality....................................................................................................................................................7

Top five principles.............................................................................................................................................7

Data collection interim advice..........................................................................................................................9

Work is underway to improve LGBTIQA+ data collection....................................................................................9
What to do if you’re making changes to your systems.........................................................................................9

Victorian Government Resources..................................................................................................................10

Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022–32.................................................................................10
Departmental Pride Networks............................................................................................................................10
Equality Unit, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).............................................................10
Inclusive Victorian health service data collection...............................................................................................10
Gender affirmation in Victorian public sector workplaces..................................................................................10
Inclusive language for managers.......................................................................................................................10

External References.........................................................................................................................................11
Inclusive Language Guides................................................................................................................................11
Data Standards Guidelines................................................................................................................................11
A guide to using your pronouns at work.............................................................................................................11
Introduction
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for public sector employees. Use it to ensure you use inclusive language for LGBTIQA+ people.
The guide aims to support public sector entities and their employees. We all have a responsibility to make
Victoria a safer, fairer and more inclusive place for everyone.
Language is very powerful. It can be discriminatory, harmful and limiting. It can also provide people with the
ability to describe their identities and experiences. We should always be mindful how we communicate with
other people.

Language is always evolving

This inclusive language guide is not intended to be exhaustive or definitive. Definitions and meanings change
over time as language evolves and as our understanding of who we are evolves. Meaning also varies across
languages other than English and there are not always direct translations.
While this guide focuses on LGBTIQA+ inclusive language, it is important to remember that many different
aspects can make up a person’s identity and experiences. This can include race, religion, gender identity,
sexual orientation or sexuality, income or social status, age, ability or disability, or migration status as well as
parenting or caring roles.
A list of resources is available at the end of this guide with more extensive information about other types of
inclusive language.

What does the term ‘LGBTIQA+’ mean?

The Victorian Government uses the acronym LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse,
Intersex, Queer, Questioning and Asexual). This is an inclusive umbrella abbreviation of diverse sexualities,
genders and sex characteristics.
Everyone has a sex, gender and sexuality, which relate to our bodies, identities and how we express
ourselves.
Communities included within this commonly-used umbrella term have distinct experiences and needs, and
different histories of identity and organisation. In Australia, the term has arisen in recognition of common
experiences of legal and social marginalisation on the basis of dominant social norms around sex, gender
and sexuality1.
The plus sign indicates that there are many different terms used to describe identity, which are not all covered
by the letters LGBTIQA.

Why are we adding the ‘A’?

The A is for Asexual. This refers to a person who may experience partial or no sexual attraction but may or
may not experience romantic attraction towards others. Asexual people can be of any gender or sexual
orientation.
The Victorian Government is adopting the reference to asexual people, making its standard acronym
LGBTIQA+. This addition responds to feedback from communities. It also ensures that the language we use
remains inclusive and representative.

1
Rainbow Health Victoria, 2020, ‘Research Matters: What does LGBTIQ mean?’, available at:
https://rainbowhealthaustralia.org.au/media/pages/research-resources/research-matters-what-does-lgbtiq-mean/4107366852-
1654154418/research-matters-what-does-lgbtiq-mean.pdf
Some communities include other terms such as Aromantic and Agender can in the A. Our new acronym does
not specifically call out these terms. We capture them within the +. The term ‘ace’ is often used as an
umbrella term for these identities.

Why can’t I see the term I’m looking for?

Definitions and meanings of sexuality and gender continue to change over time. This guidance does not
provide an exhaustive list of definitions. Each of the terms in this guide may be written or spoken about in
different ways.
If you are unsure about specific terminology, ask the people and communities you are supporting. This
ensures that language reflects their needs and identities. You can also consult the list of resources at the end
of the guide for more information.

What is inclusive language?

Inclusive language is when we use words in ways that show our respect for people of all different
backgrounds.
Inclusive language is free from words, phrases or tones that reflect prejudiced, stereotyped or discriminatory
views of particular people or groups. It does not deliberately or inadvertently exclude people.
Inclusive language is about welcoming all people to take part in and contribute to our workplaces, schools,
communities and services.
LGBTIQA+ inclusive language is a way of acknowledging and respecting the natural diversity of sex, gender
and sexuality.
LGBTIQA+ inclusive language can come in three forms:
• verbal (e.g. through spoken language)
• written (e.g. through surveys or intake forms)
• visual (e.g. through the display of LGBTIQA+ flags)

Why is inclusive language important?

How others describe us has an enormous impact on our health and wellbeing. A lack of inclusive
communication contributes to discrimination that can prevent LGBTIQA+ people from accessing help 2.
Using inclusive language can help to build trust between the Government and LGBTIQA+ communities. It
also helps to address the discrimination that LGBTIQA+ people may face including any discrimination
experienced by the children or families of LGBTIQA+ people.
When we use inclusive language it encourages the wider Victorian community to use it too.

2
Brooks et al. 2018; Smith, Jones & Ward, 2014, cited in: Australian Institute of Family Studies, February 2022,
https://aifs.gov.au/resources/practice-guides/inclusive-communication-lgbtiq-clients
Our workplaces should also reflect the Victorian Public Sector Values and Code of Conduct. These include
demonstrating respect and promoting human rights3. Pride in Our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-
32 notes that government policies, programs and services should be safe, inclusive and accessible for all
Victorians4.

Key terms
Gender
Gender is part of a person’s personal and social identity. It refers to a way a person feels and sees
themselves. It can be about differences in identity, expression and experience as a woman, man or gender
diverse person.

Gender diverse
Gender diverse is an umbrella term for a range of different genders. There are many terms gender diverse
people may use to describe themselves. Language in this area is dynamic and always changing, particularly
among young people. Some examples include genderfluid, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender,
bi-gender and non-binary.

Non-binary
Non-binary is a term for people whose gender sits outside of the spectrum of man or woman or male and
female. A person who is non-binary might feel like they have a mix of genders, or like they have no gender at
all.
A person might identify solely as non-binary, or relate to non-binary as an umbrella term. They might consider
themselves as genderfluid, genderqueer, trans masculine, trans feminine, agender or bigender.

Trans or Transgender
Transgender refers to someone whose gender does not exclusively align with their sex recorded at birth. Not
all trans people will use this term to describe themselves.

Cis or cisgender (pronounced ‘sis’)

Cisgender refers to a person whose gender is the same as their sex recorded at birth. Not all cisgender
people will be aware of this term or use it to describe themselves.

Sistergirl and Brotherboy

Sistergirl and Brotherboy are terms used in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to describe
transgender people. Using these terms can validate and strengthen their gender identities and relationships.
Sistergirls and Brotherboys might be non-binary, female or male.
Sistergirl describes gender diverse people that have a female spirit and take on female roles within the
community, including looking after children and family. Brotherboy describes gender diverse people that have
a male spirit and take on male roles within the community.
Other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may also use these words.– For example, lesbian and
heterosexual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women may refer to themselves as ‘sistagirls’, ‘sistas’ or
‘tiddas’, which has the meaning of the word ‘sisters’. Gay Aboriginal men may also refer to themselves as
sistas.

3
Victorian Public Sector Commission, https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/ethics-behaviours-culture/public-sector-values/
4
Pride in Our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-32, https://www.vic.gov.au/pride-our-future-victorias-lgbtiq-strategy-2022-32.
In broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the terms ‘sistagirl’ and ‘brothaboy’ are used as
terms of endearment for women and men with no reference to gender diversity.
It is important to note that not all First Nations people who are transgender use these terms.

Sex
Sex refers to a person’s biological sex characteristics. This includes their sex chromosomes, hormones and
reproductive organs.

Sex recorded at birth

Data collection often refers to sex recorded at birth. This is based upon a person’s sex characteristics and
reproductive organs observed at, or soon after, birth.
Variations of sex characteristics
Some people are born with a variation to physical or biological sex characteristics including chromosomes,
hormones or anatomy. These are often called intersex variations. There are many different intersex variations
that can be identified prenatally, at birth, puberty or adulthood.
People with intersex variations use a range of different terminology to name their bodies and experiences.
Some use the term ‘intersex’, which is signified by the ‘I’ in LGBTIQA+ communities. Others do not connect to
the term ‘intersex’ or with the acronym LGBTIQA+.
People with variations of sex characteristics are usually assigned male or female at birth or infancy, just like
everyone else. Intersex people can have any gender identity or sexuality.
You can read more about the diversity and health needs of the intersex population at (i) Am Equal. It outlines
the future directions for Victoria’s Intersex community. You can also learn more at the Intersex Human Rights
Australia website5.

Endosex
Endosex refers to people whose sex characteristics meet medical and social norms for typically ‘male’ or
‘female’ bodies. Not all endosex people will be aware of this term or use it to describe themselves.

Sexuality or sexual orientation

Sexuality or sexual orientation describe a person’s intimate, romantic and/or sexual attractions to others. It
can include sexual identity (how a person thinks of their sexuality and the terms they identify with).
It can also include attraction (romantic or sexual interest in another person) and behaviour or relationships.
These attractions may be towards someone of the same gender or sex, another gender, all genders, no
gender or a combination.
There are many different terms used to sexuality. Some people may choose to describe their sexuality in
terms of feelings, behaviours or experiences such as ‘same sex’ or ‘gender attracted’. Others may choose to
use no term at all. Sexuality may be fluid for some people and change over time. For others it can be the
same throughout their life.

Asexual
Asexual refers to a person who does not experience sexual attraction but may or may not experience
romantic attraction towards others. Asexual people can be any gender or sexual orientation.

5
Victorian Government, (i) Am Equal, 2023, https://www.health.vic.gov.au/publications/i-am-equal;
Intersex Human Rights Australia, https://ihra.org.au/
Lesbian
Lesbian refers to a woman (cis or trans) or gender diverse person who is romantically and/or sexually
attracted to women.

Gay
A gay person is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of the same sex and/or gender as
themselves. This term is often used to describe men who are attracted to other men, but some women and
gender diverse people may describe themselves as gay.

Bisexual
A bisexual person is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of their own gender and other genders.
The term 'bi+' or multi-gender attracted (MGA) are sometimes used to describe communities of people who
are attracted to multiple genders.

Pansexual
A pansexual person is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of all genders and regardless of
gender.

Queer
Queer is often used as an umbrella term for diverse genders or sexualities. Some people use queer to
describe their own gender or sexuality, as an identity that does not correspond to heterosexual norms. For
some people, especially older people, ‘queer’ has negative connotations, because in the past it was used as
a discriminatory term.

Questioning
Questioning refers to people who are exploring or questioning their gender or sexual orientation. People may
not wish to have one of the other labels applied to them yet, for a variety of reasons. It is important these
people feel welcome and included in LGBTIQA+ communities.

Heterosexual
Heterosexual is another word for ‘straight’. It generally refers to men who are attracted to women, or women
who are attracted to men.

Rainbow Families
Rainbow families are families where LGBTIQA+ people are parents, co-parents and carers. This includes
soon-to-be parents, donors and surrogates.
Rainbow families come in all different shapes and sizes. They can be sole parents or carers and can live
across one or many homes. They can also be of diverse sex, gender, ability, race, culture, and spirituality.

Intersectionality
Intersectionality describes how a person’s attributes and circumstances combine to shape their life. This can
include their privilege and experiences of discrimination or disadvantage.
Intersectionality helps us to better understand inequality. It highlights how different forms of inequality can
combine and compound each other. This can include inequality related to sexuality, gender, age, class, ability
or race.
Taking an intersectional approach to policy analysis means that government services better account for the
specific and varied needs of the community. It supports more effective services that respond to
interconnected and overlapping forms of discrimination and inequality for the whole community.
Take the example of employment discrimination experienced in the trans community. Traditional policy
approaches would tend to make generalised observations about trans people. These observations often fail
to account for the significant diversity within the community. An intersectional approach would look at
differences in employment discrimination that are experienced by different kinds of trans people – such as
trans people of colour, trans people with a disability, and trans people of different genders.
Taking an intersectional approach in Australia requires a recognition of the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
Non-Aboriginal people have benefitted from the colonisation and dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait people, and Australia’s laws, policies, systems and structures have and continue to omit Aboriginal
people, resulting in and entrenching systemic racism. Despite this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, families and communities remain strong and resilient.

Top five principles

1. Move beyond assumptions
Assuming that everyone is heterosexual or cisgender can have negative impacts on the lives of LGBTIQA+
people. It is good practice to avoid making assumptions about people based on their appearance or
stereotypes.
Accept and respect how people define their gender and sexuality. Ask them how they wish to be addressed. If
you are speaking on behalf of a group, consult widely to ensure language is reflective of the whole group.
2. Acknowledge diversity
LGBTIQA+ people are diverse. LGBTIQA+ communities are not homogenous.
We should always use language with care and consideration and an awareness of the diversity within and
between groups and people. For example, acknowledging diversity means referring to ‘LGBTIQA+
communities’ rather than just one community.
When using inclusive language, it is important to consider the intersections of a person’s identity. These are
different aspects that make up someone’s identity and experiences, such as race, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, income or social status, age, parenting/caring roles, ability or migration status.
3. Respect privacy
We all have a right to privacy. Everyone has the right to choose what information they want to disclose.
Someone may or may not want to inform others of personal information relating to their gender and/or
sexuality. It may be illegal to force someone to share this information. You should not share or discuss
anyone’s personal information without their explicit consent.
Allow yourself to be led by how someone talks about themselves, their family and their relationships. Ask or
be guided by them about who to share this information with. For example, in an early year's centre or school
you might ask “Who is in your family?”
4. Share your pronouns
Pronouns are the words we use instead of someone’s name when we talk about them, such as she/her,
he/him, they/them. Some people use more than one pronoun, such as she/they or he/they. Using someone’s
correct pronouns is an essential part of showing respect and inclusion. Normalising the sharing of pronouns
can make a big difference to the inclusion of trans and gender diverse people. Sharing your pronouns can
signal to your colleagues and others that you are someone who understands and will also respect their
pronouns. You can do this by wearing a pronoun badge, introducing yourself with your pronoun/s, or adding
your pronoun/s to your email signature.
Like all words people use to describe their identity, pronouns can look different for everyone and can change
over time. If you are unsure about someone’s pronouns, use the gender-neutral terms ‘they’ and ‘them’ or the
person’s name until you have a chance to confirm with them privately. Some people do not use pronouns, but
prefer the use of their name instead.
Sharing pronouns is optional. While some people are comfortable sharing theirs, others may not be, and it is
important that no one feels pressured. Furthermore, some people’s pronouns may be context-specific. For
example, someone might not use their pronouns in a particular environment or around particular people
because they do not feel safe or comfortable to do so.
5. Learn from mistakes
It’s okay to make mistakes. People may worry that they will offend someone or be embarrassed if they use
the wrong term, name or pronoun, particularly for trans and gender diverse people.
It’s important to try to use respectful language but some mistakes are understandable, particularly when you
are learning. If you make a mistake:
• acknowledge the mistake and move on – use their correct gender, pronouns, or name at the next
opportunity.
• don’t dwell on it, this may make someone feel more uncomfortable.
• try to avoid making the same mistake again – repeated mistakes indicate a lack of respect and can be very
distressing. If it continues,, it could constitute bullying or discrimination.
Data collection interim advice
Work is underway to improve LGBTIQA+ data collection
As part of Priority Area 3 in Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-32, we will aim to:
• introduce LGBTIQA+ data standards across the Victorian Government
• develop guidance materials on how to collect, analyse and report on data by government and government-
funded services.
The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) is working on a project to improve and standardise how, and
for what purpose, VPS departments collect personal demographic data from their employees.
The focus of this work is to define a set of consistent whole-of-VPS collection standards and indicators that
government uses in its workforce data standards reporting.
The standards will be underpinned by clear and consistent approaches to why data is collected, what it is
used for and how it is shared. They will not be applicable when collecting data from the public via government
services – it is only for government workers.
Good practice advice is also offered under standard five of Rainbow Tick. Rainbow Tick is a quality
framework developed by Rainbow Health Australia that helps health and human services organisations show
that they are safe, inclusive and affirming services and employers for LGBTIQ communities 6.

What to do if you’re making changes to your systems

If you are planning to make any changes to your systems, we recommend you email the Equality Unit for
updated timelines on the VPSC’s work.
See External References below for links to resources on data collection available in other jurisdictions.

6
Rainbow Health Australia, Rainbow Tick: a framework for LGBTIQ cultural safety, available at:
https://rainbowhealthaustralia.org.au/rainbow-tick.
Victorian Government Resources
Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022–32
In 2022, the Victorian Government released Victoria’s first whole-of-government LGBTIQ+ strategy, Pride in
Our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-32. It provides the vision and plan to create equality and
inclusion for Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQA+ communities within all aspects of government work over the next
decade.

Departmental Pride Networks

Many departments in the VPS have a Pride Network or group that advocates for their LGBTIQA+ employees.
Contact your HR department to find out if your organisation has one.

Equality Unit, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

(DFFH)
If you have any questions, you can contact the Equality Unit in DFFH at [email protected]. You can
also contact the Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities at [email protected].

Inclusive Victorian health service data collection

Guidance developed by the Department of Health provides information on changes to the 2024-25 Victorian
health service data reporting requirements.

Gender affirmation in Victorian public sector workplaces

The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) has released the Gender affirmation in Victorian public
sector workplaces guidance for VPS managers who are supporting employees to affirm their gender.

Inclusive language for managers

The VPSC has published information on diverse inclusive language for managers, covering the diversity of
inclusive language that managers can use with their work teams.
External References
Inclusive Language Guides
There are a range of other inclusive language guidance, published by different organisations, publicly
available.
• Amnesty International Inclusive Language and Events Guide
• Australian Institute of Family Studies Inclusive Communication with LGBTIQ+ Clients
• Australian Institute of Family Studies Glossary of common terms
• Diversity Council Words at Work
• Intersex Human Rights Australia Inclusion Guide
• Oxfam Inclusive Language Guide
• The Equality Project LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Language Guide for the Workplace
• TransHub - Language
• Rainbow Health Australia, Research Matters

Data Standards Guidelines

A number of data standard guidelines are available online.
• ABS Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables
• Canberra LGBTIQ Community Consortium Guide to LGBTIQ-inclusive Data Collection
• Government of South Australia Data Collection and Gender Guidelines
• Victorian Family Violence Data Collection Framework Data Standards

A guide to using your pronouns at work

Minus18 has published a helpful guide explaining how to use pronouns to encourage an inclusive workplace.
(i) Am Equal: Future directions for Victoria’s Intersex community
Released in 2021, (i) Am Equal: Future directions for Victoria’s Intersex community outlines the government’s
commitment to the development of an intersex protection system.

To receive this document in another format email the equality team [email protected]

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

© State of Victoria, Australia, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, October 2023.
In this document, ‘Aboriginal’ refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ‘Indigenous’ or
‘Koori/Koorie’ is retained when part of the title of a report, program or quotation.
ISBN/ISSN number (online/PDF/Word)
Available at LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Language Guide https://www.vic.gov.au/inclusive-language-guide
(2309588))