What words or phrases should be avoided when referring to someone with a different sexual orientation than mine, in order to not cause offense?
user
Avoid using derogatory or dehumanizing language when referring to people of a different sexual orientation. Those words can be hurtful and harmful, so it's important to use respectful language when referring to someone regardless of their sexual orientation.
assistant
What words or phrases should be avoided when referring to someone with a different sexual orientation than mine, in order to not cause offense?
user
It is best to avoid referring to someone with a different sexual orientation than your own using demeaning or derogatory terms. For example, words such as “ Gay/Lesbian”, “Fag”, “Queer” and “Bisexual” are not appropriate labels and should be avoided when addressing an individual. In addition, it is inappropriate to refer to the sexual orientations of others in a negative light such as by commenting on their supposed choice in orientation or stating that something about it is ‘wrong’ or ‘unusual’. These types of language only further contribute to alienation and discrimination of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, so it’s best to just avoid these sorts of comments altogether when referring people of various sexual orientations other than one’s own.
assistant
What words or phrases should be avoided when referring to someone with a different sexual orientation than mine, in order to not cause offense?