"fag," "faggot," "dyke," "homo," "sodomite," "queen," "she-male," "he-she," "it," "tranny" and similar epithets. The criteria for using these derogatory terms should be the same as those applied to hate words for other groups: they should not be used except in a direct quote that reveals the bias of the person quoted. So that such words are not given credibility in the media, it is preferred that reporters say, "The person used a derogatory word for a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person."
"deviant," "disordered," "dysfunctional," "diseased," "perverted," "destructive" and similar descriptions The notion that being gay, lesbian or bisexual is a psychological disorder was discredited by the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association in the 1970s. Today, words such as "deviant," "diseased" and "disordered" often are used to portray lesbians and gay men as less than human, mentally ill, or as a danger to society. Words such as these should be avoided in stories about the lesbian and gay community. If they must be used, they should be quoted directly in a way that reveals the bias of the person being quoted.
Associating gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, same-sex relationships or homosexuality with pedophilia, child abuse, sexual abuse, bestiality, bigamy, polygamy, adultery and incest. Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is neither synonymous with nor indicative of any tendency toward pedophilia, child abuse, sexual abuse, bestiality, bigamy, polygamy, adultery and/or incest. These associations often are used to suggest that lesbians and gay men pose a threat to society, to families, and to children in particular. Such associations are defamatory and should be avoided, except in direct quotes that reveal the bias of the person quoted.
©2010 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation