Implementing Public Engagement

Engaging Members of the LGBTQIA+ Community

Know Beforehand

LGBTQIA+ is a common abbreviation for the abbreviation stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and plus community. The plus is included to signify other gender and sexual identities and to recognize that these terms and identities are not monolithic. Other variations of this acronym exist, including LGBTQ+, GLBT+, and may be regionally specific.

There are approximately 230,000 people in the city of San Diego who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer, which is approximately 10% of the total population. About 40% of the LGBQ population in San Diego County is Hispanic, compared to 31% of the non-LGBQ population. About one in three adults who identify as LGBQ are facing economic hardship. More than one in three adult LGBQ people have seriously thought about committing suicide. LGBQ adults are more likely to face barriers to care (County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, 2022). The County has a gap in data for those who are transgender but has stated that as more data becomes available on the health and well-being of the transgender population in San Diego, they will be included in future analyses.

Language and specific terminology are complex and perspectives can vary and shift over time.

• Research and seek out resources from local relevant organizations to learn and apply current preferred language. For example, understand the difference between gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation. Collaborate with LGBTQIA+ community leaders for guidance.
• The LGBTQIA+ community is diverse and people within the community have varying points of view and preferences. Where possible, ask for people’s names and pronouns for respectful conversations. For notes on pronouns, see below.
• The word queer has a mixed reception within the LGBTQIA+ community. Some members of the community might prefer and even celebrate the term, while others (often older members) might perceive it as unacceptable and even offensive. Consequently, it should be used with care and not be applied as a broad umbrella term for all LGBTQIA+ people.

Respect the privacy of participants by maintaining confidentiality when collecting input on sexual orientation and gender identity, especially in communities where being LGBTQIA+ may still carry social stigma or legal repercussions.

Be quick to apologize for mistakes. Mistakes may include misgendering (referring to someone using a word that does not reflect their gender identity) or deadnaming (referring to someone by their birth name when they have changed their name as part of their gender transition).

Apologize if you misgender, deadname or otherwise offend someone, acknowledging the impact of your actions on them, even if unintentional. Humility, adaptability and compassion will provide a strong foundation for understanding and cultivating trust.

LGBTQIA+ youth tend to be politically active and engaged in civic action. In a recent study by suicide prevention non-profit The Trevor Project, more than half of LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults had participated in protest/walkout, letter writing or volunteer community service in the past year. Become aware of the present issues at hand and prepared to affirm and support the energy of young leaders.

Be mindful that LGBTQIA+ experiences vary widely between urban and rural/suburban communities, age groups, and cultural backgrounds. Engagement strategies should account for this diversity of experience.

Challenges and Barriers to Participation

• Lack of trust: LGBTQIA+ people have likely experienced discrimination or marginalization at some point. Community members may lack trust in government institutions or public gatherings where non-affirming people may be present. Additionally, when there are contentious topics being discussed, there tends to be an increase in displays of prejudice or gender and/or sexuality-related phobias.
• Lack of institutional data: The inability to count LGBTQIA+ people through the Census has significant implications for the community, including the inability to identify their unique social determinants of health and the lack of data that could inform public policy and allocation of resources.
• Visibility concerns: Some members of the LGBTQIA+ community may not feel comfortable disclosing their identities in public settings, which may impact their willingness to participate in engagement events.
• Safety concerns: Some LGBTQIA+ community members may worry about harassment or discrimination when attending public engagement events, especially on controversial topics.
• Intersectional challenges: LGBTQIA+ people from marginalized communities, such as people of color or those with disabilities, may face compounded barriers to engagement due to layers of marginalization in their experience. Socioeconomic factors, language barriers, and lack of access to transportation or childcare services can further limit participation.

Outreach

• Include diverse images in outreach materials to support LGBTQIA+ identification and inclusion.
• Use language for all people
  • For example, rather than referencing men/male and women/female, reference “all people” or “all genders”.
• When the topic uniquely impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, consider creating closed sessions for community members to safely process and give input.
• Connect with LGBTQIA+ community centers and organizations to disseminate information.
• Partner with LGBTQIA+ influencers, activists and community leaders to amplify outreach efforts and reach a wider audience.

Engagement

• Invite optional introductions of pronouns. A person’s gender expression does not necessarily equate to their gender identity. Provide options for community members to share their pronouns.
  • At the sign-in table, include instructions for filling out name tags that optionally include pronouns.
  • If the event lends itself to a moment of verbal introductions, facilitators can invite people to introduce themselves and include their pronouns if they desire.
• Host engagement events in LGBTQIA+ affirming venues or virtual spaces to create a welcoming environment for all participants. Create mechanisms for private feedback for those who may not feel comfortable speaking publicly.
• Create events designed to celebrate and center LGBTQIA+ community members. Examples could include a Pride parade, LGBTQIA+ art showcase, drag performance, or LGBTQIA+-friendly roundtable discussions.