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Value-neutral, sex-positive language
Language has the power to name the truth of someone’s experience and validate one’s being. On the other hand, language can also render someone’s life experiences invisible. By using language that is respectful and non-judgmental of people’s sexual experiences or values, we can create an atmosphere that is both inclusive and supportive of all audience members.
| Problem Words or Phrases |
Possible Alternate Forms |
| promiscuous/slut/stud |
having multiple partners |
| monogamy |
serial monogamy |
| homosexual/gay |
men who have sex with other men |
| homosexual sex |
anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio |
| drug users/abusers/addicts |
people who share needles for injectable drugs |
| boyfriend/girlfriend |
partner |
| victim/innocent victim/AIDS carrier |
person living with HIV |
| girl/boy |
woman/man |
| safe sex |
safer sex |
| intercourse/having sex/sexually active |
vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse |
| abstinence |
not engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse |
| risk group |
risk behavior |
| sharing body fluids |
exposure to semen, vaginal secretions, or blood |
| illegal drugs |
injectable drugs |
| premarital sex |
sex with someone with whom you have not made a lifetime commitment |
| normal behavior |
name the specific behavior being discussed |
taken from:Developing Peer Leaders to Prevent the Spread of HIV
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