Throughout this semester and last, there have been a number of Technician articles discussing GLBT issues, and while I am grateful for the representation, the use of language has failed to be fully inclusive. First, “homosexual” is outdated and should not be used; it carries years of negative connotations from when homosexuality was considered a disease. Today, most GLBT people prefer to use “gay” and “lesbian” instead. Second, “transgender” is an adjective, not a verb, and therefore people are transgender, not “transgendered.” As a former Technician copy editor myself, I understand that language conventions change frequently and can be a challenge to keep up, but as a member of the GLBT community, I also know the power language has to alienate or unite, and to truly be supportive of the GLBT community, proper language must be used.

Darren Lipman

sophomore, mathematics and political science

GLBT Community Aliiance, President