The NZ Public Service Commission has released a guide that explains how to use inclusive language for Rainbow communities and the importance of doing so in the Public Service.
“We want all our Public Service Rainbow colleagues, and the Rainbow communities we serve, to feel that they are treated respectfully and inclusively,” the Commission said in a statement.
‘Rainbow’ is a broad umbrella term that covers a diversity of sexual orientations as well as gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. Rainbow communities, rather than Rainbow community, indicates that there is not a homogenous group and that there are multiple communities woven into the Rainbow umbrella term.
“Most of the time we use the terms ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Rainbow communities’, but we also use other common umbrella terms in the Public Service when it is appropriate, such as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, ace identities and more) or SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics).”
It said Rainbow inclusive language embraces the spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics that we see in society.
“Inclusive language respectfully acknowledges and values all people as they are and the words that they use to describe themselves. It also helps to increase the visibility of diversity and to prevent bias or discrimination from occurring,” the Commission stated.
The guide can be found here.
