There are a wide range of identities and approaches to gender. At the RSC, we are all responsible for creating environments which are welcoming, inclusive, respectful and safe for everyone.
The word ‘queer’
Our creative team have been central to choosing the language used to describe Cowbois, including the use of the word ‘queer’.
We understand the complex history of the word ‘queer’, which can be used to refer to non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identities. For some, the word has negative associations, but for many members of the LQBTQ+ community the word has been reclaimed to mean people who don't identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender (a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth).
Why use pronouns?
As allies of the LGBTQ+ community, we are committed to taking action to support people in this group. We want to build an inclusive environment that empowers people and gives them confidence to be themselves.
We know that sharing pronouns can make people's lives easier. By letting others know how we identify, assumptions don’t have to be made. This eliminates any confusion and minimises the chance of anyone being misgendered.
We also believe that sharing pronouns is a personal choice and understand that there are many reasons why somebody might or might not share their pronouns. We respect and support everyone's freedom to choose what is right for them.
You can read more about pronouns on MyPronouns.org
Defining the transgender community
When talking about how to define any community, it’s important to be led by people with lived experience. Our partners at Gendered Intelligence define trans diversity in the following way.
“People who feel that the sex/gender they were assigned at birth does not match or sit easily with their sense of self may use the term ‘trans’ to describe themselves. Although not everyone with those experiences of gender will align themselves with the term or feel that it applies to them, ‘trans’ is probably the most inclusive term currently in use”.
Who Might Use the Term?
People who use the word ‘trans’ include those who:
- Identify with the ‘opposite’ binary gender
- Have identities that are both male and female, neither male nor female or who have another sense of gender
- Have a fluid gender identity and may move between different genders
- May express different gender-related aspects of themselves at different times / places
- Don’t experience a sense of gender.
- Some trans people identify with the ‘opposite’ binary gender and may take steps to live their lives in that gender.
To read further, visit genderedintelligence.co.uk
