Orange is the New Black star wants to scrap ‘divisive’ LGBT acronym
Lea Delaria says she believes acronyms and labels divide the LGBT community.
The comedian come singer claims to have never subscribed to the LGBT acronym – preferring the term queer because “queer is everybody.”
In a conversation with Pride Source, the star talked about the divide between conservative and radical queers and how the gap was widening with the use of labels.
She stressed the importance of needing to accept the differences, and says getting rid of inclusive terms will allow queer people to come together.
“LGBTQQTY-whatever-LMNOP tends to stress our differences. And that’s why I refuse to do it,” she said.
The number of labels available to the community are bountiful.
From pansexual to demi-sexual, there are a variety of ways to identify yourself.
However, the actress claims the umbrella term queer is being adopted by more people in a bid to erase the negative stigma attached to it.
Delaria was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late night talk show in America and has since become incredibly well known for her appearance as Big Boo on Netflix sitcom Orange Is The New Black.
Earlier this year, the self proclaimed proud “fat woman” stripped down and spoke about being butch.
“I was cowering in the closet, terrified that someone would know my dirty little secret” she said.
“My entire life has been trying to put a positive spin on what it is to be butch.”
You will be able to see Delaria in season 4 of OITNB which will be released later this month.
