Terms which LGBTQI+ individuals prefer or hate to be called by

Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi; Anza Ndou; Lucas Mamabolo; Tshifhiwa Netshapapame; Thembinkosi Ngwenya; Tlhomaro Marebane; Andile Mthombeni; Siyabulela Eric Mgolozeli

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14990

Terms which LGBTQI+ individuals prefer or hate to be called by

Heliyon. 2023 Mar 30;9(4):e14990. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14990. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Authors

Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi¹, Anza Ndou², Lucas Mamabolo², Tshifhiwa Netshapapame³, Thembinkosi Ngwenya⁴, Tlhomaro Marebane⁴, Andile Mthombeni⁴, Siyabulela Eric Mgolozeli¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
² Department of Psychology, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
³ Institute for Gender Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
⁴ Office of Graduate Studies and Research, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.

Abstract

Introduction: The evolution of the abbreviation LGBTQI+ comes on the backdrop of numerous studies that were conducted as a form of advocacy to promote the inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals into society.

Objective: This study sought to explore the terms that LGBTQI+ individuals prefer to be called and those they hate to be called by.

Methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach underpinned by Husserl's descriptive phenomenological research design. Data was collected through WhatsApp-based semi-structured individual interviews from a 19 participants who were sampled using purposive and snowballing sampling methods. Data analysis was done using Collaizzi's phenomenological analysis method, and all ethical considerations to safeguard participants were adhered to.

Results: The analysis yielded two main themes as preferred terminologies and terms that are hated by the LGBTQI+ persons. The findings show an evolution in the terminologies used in relation to the LGBTQI+ identifying persons. Terms such as Queer, LGBTQI+ community, terms confirming gender identity, SOGI neutral, and preferred pronouns emerged as terms that LGBTQI+ people preferred to be called or addressed by. On the other side of the coin, the findings revealed terms that the LBGTQI + people hated as these were perceived to be discriminatory and derogatory, such as terms like "moffie" and "stabane".

Conclusion: LGBTQI+ terms are forever evolving and there is a need to raise community awareness and conscientisation towards moving away from the use of derogatory and hateful terms. The hated terms continue to perpetuate verbal abuse, stigmatisation and discrimination of the LGBTQI+ community. Therefore, a nuanced approach to develop and adopt inclusive language policies to promote diversity in public and private spheres.

Keywords: LGBTQI+; SOGI; Terminologies; WhatsApp messaging.