 LGBTQ+ individuals have always been a part of our societies, but we can’t say the same about words to describe their identity. Even though terms used by individuals to describe and/or identify themselves with the community are getting more known and included in everyday language, it can sometimes be hard to keep up, as new terms are created to describe these realities, even though they have always existed. Thus, allies, and even some individuals that identify themselves as being a part of the community, might want to understand these terms better, or stay updated on recent terminology. If one doesn’t know where to start or wants a reference to be able to always go back to, the Des mots pour exister book comes in as a very useful source. In short, this book is a practical lexical of terms that describes some of LGBTQ+ realities, identities, and families. This book was produced via the LGBT+ Family Coalition, which is a community-based organization that aims to promotes the rights of individuals that are part of the sexual diversity and gender plurality, and also, all type of families from everywhere among unceded indigenous territories named, in colonial terms, “Québec”. The main principle behind the author’s book is that by naming LGBT+ individuals’ realities, identities, and families, it grants each of them an existence, which is a powerful and validating statement for them. The author also explains that community-made definitions of words are more representative of what the communities do in fact use more frequently to describe themselves. Thus, they are also a more accurate reflection of their identities (Drouin, 2022). A good plus is that it’s not boring to read: it’s full of colors, has pretty images, and is color-coded for each family of words, so it doesn’t feel like you must read a dull dictionary (see sneak peeks of the book at the end of the text). About the family of words: the blue section of the book is about terms that are used to describe norms. For example, the term “binary norm” is defined in the lexical as: “a norm that suggests only two possibilities” (Drouin, 2022). In addition, since that definition is short, the author gives further explanation and examples about it, such as the example of the binary norm of gender, which is when the societal norm of gender is strictly about the opposing duality of man vs woman. In a nutshell, this book is an important resource for researchers, clinicians, or truly anyone else, as LGBTQ+ individuals are an integrative part of our communities. Thus, learning about how to correctly refer and talk to them, their histories, and contexts can not only help to better our relationships, but is also a great way to demonstrate warmth and respect in a natural manner. Like the author of the book mentioned, it also is an important tool to reinforce/concretize the validity of their existence and helps us moving forward a more inclusive society. Words really do hold a lot of power! Furthermore, below are some resources tailored specifically for LGBT+ individuals. In addition, there is also the link to the APA’s inclusive language document, which is a guide aimed to help researchers, practitioners, ore anybody that needs to use the appropriate words in their texts when discussing subjects that touch anything related to diversity, inclusivity, and equity. N.B. It is important to note that, of course, this book doesn’t pretend to encompass all of LGBTQ+ terms. It is also important to consider that this book is only available in French, as it was created by Montrealers. Sneak peeks of the book Reference: Drouin, Marie-Philippe, 2022. DES MOTS POUR EXISTER : NOMMER LES IDENTITÉS, FAMILLES ET LES RÉALITÉS LGBT+, Coalition des familles LGBT+, Québec, 204p. Picture on the left: p.22; Picture on the right: p.42 Where to buy: https://www.zeffy.com/fr-CA/ticketing/a8fae75f-ac55-4fd0-bd53-bec3dc233306 LGBTQ+ Directory of Resources
1) Phone and Text Interligne (FR - Available 24/7) *Listening and texting lines: 1-888-505-1010; *Legal clinic: 1-888-970-2720 *Website: http://interligne.co 2) Websites: Tools, Communities, Directories, etc. Coalition des Familles LGBT+/LGBT+ Family Coalition (FR/ENG) *Become a member of the coalition (For LGBT+ families and LGBT+ families in the process of having kids): https://familleslgbt.org/membres/ *Trainings and tools: https://familleslgbt.org/ressources/ Centre de solidarité lesbienne (FR/ENG) *Website: https://www.solidaritelesbienne.qc.ca Interligne *Directory of LGBQT+ places and resources: https://interligne.co/repertoire/ *LGBTQ+ information resources (i.e., scientific papers, statistics, etc): https://interligne.co/le-centre-de-documentation/ Transitionner.info (FR - Quebec) *Help for transitioning legally and/or medically: https://transitionner.info TRANSEstrie (FR) *LGBTQ+ information and resources (more directed towards trans individuals): https://transestrie.org/fr/ressources/ 3) Practical Guide American Psychological Association (APA); Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Guide (ENG) *Inclusive Language Guide (2nd edition - 2023): https://www.apa.org/about/apa/equity-diversity-inclusion/language-guide.pdf
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