Which one do you prefer, LGBTQIA+ or GSRM?
LGBTQIA+
+Recognisable
+???
-Cumbersome
-Some groups are relegated to the “+”
GSRM
+Includes everyone
+Not cumbersome
-New
-Not familiar
OK I am biased but I do want to know why people still use the long one when we could be using the short one?
I prefer GRSM because lists in an acronym should be alphabetical.
“LGBT” as a shorthand is less cumbersome and more familiar / has inertia, but always feels like you’re missing people out. I don’t mind GSRM but this is the first I’m seeing it - I think the inertia LGBTQ+ has might well cause people to prefer it.
Fundamentally we just want people to know what we mean, and sometimes terms that are less accurate but more familiar actually achieve that better than the inverse.
Edit to add: I’m finding the “M” for “Minority” more problematic now that I think about it. I’m not convinced that this is hugely accurate - it feels like something rooted in a “cishet is the norm” thought process.
I agree that LGBT is less cumbersome, but inclusivity is such an important principle in this space that I think it is prudent to have an acronym which embodies this value. Regarding the “cishet is the norm” idea, I would disagree. Strictly speaking, it is accurate to say that LGBT are in the minority, but personally I’m not married to GSRM. If GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Romantic Diversities) or something is preferable, then I would not complain if that became the prominent shorthand. I just think LGBT is… Flawed. We could do better I think.
GRSM feels very us versus them due to the use of minority. It doesn’t matter if we are the minority, the majority or equal in numbers, that is missing the point.
LGBTQ+ ironically does a better job being inclusive by being so unfocused, but it implies that everyone is welcome and included.
I mean look at the progress flag which also includes poc and they are suddenly excluded by the new acronym. It never was a discussion with LGBTQ+. Are poc part of LGBTQ+? I don’t know, they are very welcome if they want to be like everyone is.
It’s also very muddy for cishet people. They can also feel as being part of the community for having some specific sexual practices, maybe being in a relationship with a non cis person or I would never discriminate allies if they want to be part of the group. I feel GRSM is a bad substitute for the established and very inclusive term.
