Overview

DCA uses the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’, following the example of Pride in Diversity, the peak body for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

DCA sometimes uses variations of the acronym depending on the context and for accuracy (for example if survey responses did not include any trans participants, we may not include the ‘T’), or when citing external sources and research.

Notably, the version of the acronym DCA currently uses does not include the ‘I’ for intersex people. DCA had previously included intersex in our LGBTQ+ website resources and included the ‘I’ for ‘intersex’ when we used the acronym. We did this with the understanding that intersex people often face discrimination and exclusion for not fitting within the traditional sex or gender binary.

However, we no longer include the ‘I’ in the acronym. This is in recognition that many intersex people do not see themselves represented within the acronym because it refers mainly to sexuality and gender identity, whereas people with intersex variation have innate variations of sex characteristics.

We are currently working on a new resource on inclusion for people with intersex variation that will be released later this year.