English Council Votes to Change LGBT Acronym

An English council has voted to change the LGBT acronym to better show the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, reports Teesside Live.

The Middlesbrough Council’s Adult Social Care and Services Scrutiny Panel have voted to change the acronym to LGB&T.

The acronym initially utilised by the panel was LGBT, which is arguably the most generic and commonly use,” a report from the council read.

“Following information received at the 5 September 2018 meeting, and in reflection of some of the previous research (e.g. Government Equalities Office, 2018), the panel opted to replace use of the LGBT acronym with LGB&T (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender).

“Another acronym considered was LGBTQQIP2SAA, which includes the two possible meanings of Q, as well as I for intersex, P for pansexual, 2S for two spirit—a term used by Indigenous North American and First Nations people to represent those who possess both masculine and feminine spirits—and double A for asexual and androgynous.”

Local trans activists welcomed the change, with Trans Awaredirector Ellie Lowther telling the BBC the change represented a “massive stride forward.”

“I think there’s a discussion to be had and I think it’s currently not being had,” she continued.

While some have argued we shouldn’t divide the LGBT+ community any further: “My greatest piece of advice to both the LGB and the T is to actually work together and support one another because we really do rely on each other in so many ways,” said Anjeli Patel, a senior consultant with EY’s people advisory practice.

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