If you have not worked with LGBTQ couples before then adjusting your language is a great start. Talking to your LGBTQ couples at first may cause you some anxiety; you want to be kind, you want to be an ally and you want them to know that you are inclusive. One of the easiest things a wedding professional can do is say couple(s) instead of bride and groom on your website. Your LGBTQ couple may not identify with bride or groom so you want to show them that you recognize that.
Be respectful of your couple’s pronouns. You will likely get this information when they first reach out to you.
- Pay attention when they say their partner’s name and what pronouns are used after like “they”, “him”, or “she”.
- If you don’t know, don’t assume.
- It is ok to ask, “what pronouns do you go by?”.
- If you use the wrong pronoun apologize and ask how to correct it.
- Include your pronouns in your email signature and display them on your social media.
Learn commonly used terms in the LGBTQ community. There are a ton of incredible resources online and a simple search of LGBTQ terms will provide you some great websites. Some of the terms you may come across while working with LGBTQ couples are:
- Cis. This term is generally used to describe a person who aligns with the sex given to them at birth.
- Non-binary. Someone who may not identify solely as a man or woman. They may identify as being both a man and a woman, somewhere within these or outside of them.
- Transgender. Folks whose gender identity is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth.
The Human Rights Campaign has an excellent glossary of LGBTQ terms you can familiarize yourself with. Take a quick moment to look! Being knowledgeable about appropriate language will give you deeper connection to your LGBTQ couples. Be kind, be respectful and be yourself.