Dictionary.com has added a range of LGBTQ+-inclusive terms to reflect a shift toward more inclusive language. These terms acknowledge and affirm the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQ+ community. One such term is “Latine,” which offers a more inclusive alternative to the divisive, gender-neutral term “Latinx.” “Multisexual” and “sexual minority” offer more expansive ways of talking about sexuality, while “WOC,” short for “woman of color,” acknowledges the unique experiences of women who identify as LGBTQ+ and come from diverse racial backgrounds.
The additions also reflect a growing awareness of the harm caused by language that erases or excludes LGBTQ+ people. “Queerbaiting,” for example, is a term that describes a marketing technique involving intentional homoeroticism or suggestions of LGBTQ+ themes intended to draw in an LGBTQ+ audience, without explicit inclusion of openly LGBTQ+ relationships, characters, or people. The addition of this term to Dictionary.com acknowledges the harm caused by using LGBTQ+ identities as a marketing tool, without actually representing those identities in meaningful ways.
The inclusion of these LGBTQ+-inclusive terms in Dictionary.com signals a shift toward a more inclusive and accepting society, where people of all genders and sexualities are seen and heard. As language continues to evolve to reflect the realities of our world, it is essential that it reflects the diverse experiences and identities of all people, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.