Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre is a vibrant and safe space for LGBTQ+ people, communities, and organisations that is inclusive of the diversity within our communities. We strive to make our space safe, welcoming, and inclusive for the unique journeys of all members of our communities. At Outhouse, we recognise that the language we use to talk about the experiences, orientations, and identities of LGBTQ+ people is constantly evolving.
You may see different variations of language, definitions, and acronyms used in our communications than what you are familiar with. It’s important to note that even within the same communities, individuals may use different language and terminology to describe their experiences.
The reason why language and terminology grow and change is that people are increasingly finding new ways to articulate their experiences and find communities of people who have had similar experiences. Language is constantly evolving as we adapt it to our current lives. The evolution of language can be an empowering way for individuals to express their experiences and connect with like-minded people.
We understand that for some, changes to language can feel challenging to existing beliefs and/or difficult to keep up with, and we recognise that not everyone will agree with each definition used.
One of Outhouse’s core values is respect. We value the diverse experiences of all individuals and treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and consideration. We are dedicated to respecting and understanding the diverse perspectives and viewpoints within our community and welcome any feedback you may have. We hold ourselves to a high standard of conduct and strive to display sensitivity and compassion when there are disagreements or conflicts. We hope that others can do that too.
We encourage open and respectful dialogue on matters related to language and terminology, as it helps foster understanding and inclusivity within our community.
If you need any clarity or further explanation of how we use language as an organisation, email us at john@outhouse.ie.