Glossary

We respect that each member of our community have their own preferred language and we encourage everyone to identify themselves with whichever terms they feel most comfortable.

However, for the sake of clarity and consistency, in our own communications we use the terms outlined in this Glossary. If in doubt about how to refer to someone, the best thing to do is always to ask that person. If you can’t ask them, then we encourage you make use of this guide.

Disabled

We refer to a disabled person, to disabled people or to the disabled community. We use identity-first language in line with the social model and UK disability rights movement, rather than person-first, USA-preferred person/ people with disabilities.

When we want to give examples of different kinds of disability, we use the terms physical or sensory impairment, chronic illness, learning disability or mental health condition, as well as the identity-first terms Deaf, autistic or neurodivergent. We might describe a disability as visible or invisible.

We also recognise that some people who are disabled would never identify as such, so we might sometimes refer to people with a health condition or impairment.

Deaf

We capitalise the word Deaf when referring to deaf people whose first language is BSL and/ or whose identity is strongly associated with Deaf culture and community.

LGBTQ+

We use the acronym LGBTQ+ rather than longer (eg. LGBTQIA+) or shorter (eg. LGBT) acronyms.

When we want to break down those letters into their constituent parts, we use the terms lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace. We prefer bi, trans and ace to bisexual, transgender and asexual because these abbreviations are generally understood to be more inclusive umbrella terms.

We prefer not to use the term queer, because although it’s popular with younger people, for an older generation it still has painful associations. The term is potentially also confusing for allies who are still not sure if they are ‘allowed’ to use it.

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We always do our best to write sensitively about the LGBTQ+ disabled community. But we also appreciate that language is always changing and that we might never please everyone. We see this as an evolving resource to be refreshed and updated over time and welcome any feedback you may have.

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Glossary

Disabled

Deaf

Gender Identity

LGBTQ+

Wheelchair-user

Non-disabled

LGBTQ+ Disabled

Sexual Orientation

Words we avoid

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