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Growing up in the Republic of Korea, we didn’t talk about sexual orientation or gender identity. But as Secretary-General of the United Nations, I learned to speak out because this is a matter of life and death. I stand with the gay teen who is bullied… the transgender woman denied work… the lesbian subjected to vicious sexual assault.
Photo: Danielle Villasana
Knowing how to speak about the rights of LGBTI people and the issues affecting them is important. Using appropriate terminology, including local and national terms, and sensitive language is essential for you as a good parliamentarian, who not only represents constituents, but also your country at international and regional forums.
A rights-driven, sensitive, and sensible approach to LGBTI issues can boost your international recognition and help you demonstrate leadership.
Suggestions on how to speak effectively about LGBTI issues:
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Frame the issues in authentic, emotionally compelling ways that resonate with all people’s values. Make a point that this is about everyday people who want the same chance as everyone else to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country and take care of the people they love. Use the language of common values, hopes and beliefs: family; hard work; responsibility; commitment; sacrifice; duty; these are common values shared by all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Assess the audience. Discussing enabling laws during parliamentary sessions requires a particular set of terminology, while talking to voters and constituents may require a completely different terminology. For example, focusing on complicated legal concepts and policy distinctions is not the best approach for engaging constituents at a local town hall meeting. Instead, emphasize, for example, that advancing the rights and inclusion of LGBTI people is about removing unfair barriers that prevent LGBTI people from getting an education or being able to find decent work where they are not harassed.
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Talk about people. Taking into account the environment and considering confidentiality issues, tell emotionally compelling stories that draw attention to committed couples who have taken care of each other in sickness and in health, or show how gay and transgender employees provide for their families and loved ones, or are exemplary members of their community.
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It is crucial to avoid attaching labels to persons for whom those labels are not comfortable. It is good practice to always ask individuals how they define themselves and to respect and use their preferred self-definitions and pronouns appropriate to their own gender identity and culture.
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Illustrate concrete harms that discriminate against and exclude LGBTI people. Focus on important injustices and try to illustrate them with compelling stories that show how existing laws or practices have unfairly targeted and hurt LGBTI people.
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Know the terminology.
Framing the discussion of LGBTI issues within the specific context is very important. Making contact with local LGBTI organizations and activists, where they exist, can be an excellent starting point to learn about the history of LGBTI issues in your community and country and the most appropriate terminology to use.