Forum: Consider style guide for reporting on LGBTQ+ community

We refer to the report “

The Straits Times updates the language it uses to describe disability

” (Oct 2). We are heartened by ST’s effort in taking this important step to adopt a style guide on language used to describe people with disabilities.

As editor Jaime Ho rightly noted, language is “a powerful tool to reflect and shape community attitudes” and to represent the “perspectives of particular groups”.

In the same spirit, we hope that ST will consider developing a similar style guide for reporting on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community. 

As local non-profit organisations working closely with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and their families, we often see how language used in mainstream media shapes public understanding.

Without clear guidance, inaccurate terminology can unintentionally misrepresent lived experiences and reinforce stigma towards minority communities, who already face discrimination which often impacts mental health.

In 2015, we raised concerns when a report misgendered a transgender woman and described her as “cross-dressing”. More recently, similar inconsistencies have surfaced. 

In the absence of an official standard, it remains unclear how pronouns should be used when referring to transgender people, or how same-sex relationships and families should be described in a Singapore context, particularly when those relationships are legally recognised elsewhere.

Many leading newsrooms worldwide have adopted similar guidelines to avoid stereotyping, and to ensure that reporting reflects the dignity of the people concerned. Adapting such principles for Singapore’s context would be a meaningful next step.

Responsible and informed reporting helps the public see LGBTQ+ people as part of the broader social fabric – as colleagues, neighbours, friends and family members. Language that accurately and respectfully reflects people’s identities signals that their experiences are valid and worthy of dignity.

In this way, inclusive language is not merely a matter of political correctness, but of accuracy, care and respect in representation – values that lie at the heart of good journalism.

We invite ST to collaborate with us in co-creating a style guide for writing about the LGBTQ+ community.

Like everyone else, LGBTQ+ Singaporeans have an equal right to belong in a diverse and inclusive society where everyone can feel safely represented in mainstream media.

Leow Yangfa
Executive Director
Oogachaga

Cheryl Lim
Communications Lead
Pink Dot SG

Coen Teo
Executive Director
Transbefrienders

Editor’s Note: We thank the writers for their offer to collaborate on making ST and the language we use as inclusive as possible. In the same spirit of engaging all segments of our diverse community, we are happy to discuss these issues with them to come to a position that is respectful and representative, avoids stereotyping and creates greater understanding in society.