Sexuality, sexual orientation and pronouns are a major subject we try so hard to avoid even though it is important especially in this day and age. Why? Why is that? What terms are or are not acceptable? Who, what or how? 

Why is it important to discuss sexual orientation and pronouns in this day and age? Because, not discussing it, not defining it and not sharing it makes it to were many will be ignored, scarred, and bullied. If we do not openly discuss the major issues with everyone and our loved ones how will we help them be able to accept their selves or understand what they are feeling and or going through? How could we be able to help them strengthen their mental fortitude and push forward while trying to reduce the mental traumas that many of us older LGBTQI+ family have already went through? What terms are or are not acceptable and why? This honestly is a majorly hard thing to broach. Why is that? Well to be honest it is hard to layout what is acceptable overall for everyone because of the fact not two people are alike and terms that I can accept may be truly and extremely hurtful to another person. If you paid attention to the title I used a colloquium or a nickname that has been applied to me during my incarceration. Most people use the term punk as an insult or derogatory term towards LGBTQI+ people in the prison and jail settings. SO many think this insult or derogatory terms should hurt or demean the person they are being applied to but, I know I am an openly gay male with a redneck mentality. I take being called a Redneck Punk as a compliment and can’t help but, to grin when people apply it to me, especially since my new friends use it to the shock and surprise of many. So I would say to everyone, no matter who you are addressing try to think about how the word or words you are going to use will sound to them. Is it an insult? So they know it is a joke, if it meant to be? Do you know the full connotations of the word? Like many LGBTQI+ family may refer to a gay male as girl but, strangers or newcomers doing it could be extremely offensive. I want to just ask that you take a moment to contemplate the words you are going to use. Try to help or help, not hurt. 

Who, what or how? Everyone, anyone and gently; anyone and everyone can benefit from this knowledge. Think about all of this and gently try to start the changes. Discuss it with others, ask questions, and try to help stop the miscommunication, lack of communication and hostilities associated with the lack of knowledge. Help everyone to heal and to talk, one step at a time.