Language changes all the time. Vocabulary shifts with each generation, even within the same culture or social group, and languages evolve as new words develop in line with technology or are borrowed from other languages, while other words fall out of use and are eventually lost.
Last week, my kid’s high school held parent-teacher-conference night, and I met with teachers in person for the first time in several years rather than through a screen (it was an unexpectedly fun time, I have to say). While picking my way through the massive building, I spotted a bulletin board for an LGBTQIA+ club and learned about homosaurus.org, an international linked data vocabulary of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) terms.
“The vocabulary is intended to function as a companion to broad subject term vocabularies, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Libraries, archives, museums, and other institutions are encouraged to use the Homosaurus to support LGBTQ research by enhancing the discoverability of their LGBTQ resources. Designed to serve as a companion to broad subject term vocabularies, the Homosaurus is a robust and cutting-edge vocabulary of LGBTQ-specific terminology that enhances the discoverability of LGBTQ resources.”
If you want to check out or support the Homosaurus, use URL https://homosaurus.org/.
K. Evan Coles 