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LGBTQ+

ILGA Guidelines for Journalists – Reporting on LGBTI issues, people and communities

Language

English

Typology

Guidelines

Aim & target group

Inclusive communication towards the LGBTQ+ community

Link

https://www.ilga-europe.org/about-us/media-centre/

Short description

Handy tool addressed to journalists, and published by ILGA, giving accurate guidance when reporting on LGBTI lives, rights, issues and events. These guidelines contain clear recommendations in the form of ‘do’s and don’ts’ on how to cover LGBTI-related news and how to approach and talk about LGBTI people and activists.

Main guidelines & principles extrapolated

How to report on the human rights situation of LGBTI people

  • Do not always present LGBTI people as victims
  • Report on LGBTI people as integral parts of society, not as outsiders
  • Remember that achieving marriage equality or civil partnership rights for same-sex couples does not mean the country is suddenly a great place for LGBTI people to live

 

How to talk to and about LGBTI people in your stories

  • Do not include comments from individuals claiming to represent LGBTI interests without a history of activism, speaking only from a personal perspective
  • Do not include details on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of your subjects if it only serves to sensationalize your story
  • Remember that when LGBTI people share their experiences publicly, they are often discussing intimate aspects of their identities, which puts them in a vulnerable position and at potential risk of discrimination

 

Language and pronouns

  • Do not stereotype based on false internalised assumptions
  • Use language in your story that everybody can understand
  • Avoid the following terms: transsexual, LGBT lifestyle, lifestyle choice, gay lifestyle, sex change, homosexual, homosexuality, homosexual relationship, hermaphrodite, prostitute, rent boy
  • Do not say ‘gay marriage’ unless you are referring to marriage between two men
  • Do not use “gay” or “queer” as encompassing terms for LGBTI communities
  • Before an interview, ask for pronouns and names, and use them in your article and during your conversation

 

Intersex and trans people and communities

  • Do not use outdated language. Check out this style guide by Intersex Australia to stay updated
  • Do not use outdated language. Check out the style guide by Intersex Australia to stay updated.
  • Do not reproduce trans-exclusionary language or include trans-exclusionary voices just for the sake of having “both sides of the story”

 

Useful data and resources on the situation of LGBTI people for media reporting and fact-checking

  • ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map & Index
  • ILGA-Europe’s Annual Review
  • ILGA-Europe’s Glossary
  • Fundamental Rights Agency Survey on LGBTI people (2020)
  • TGEU’s Trans Rights Map in Europe and Central Asia
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Institute of Youth (INJUVE). Neither the European Union nor INJUVE can be held responsible for them.

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