Style matters to AP

Southern Voice Online – Eric Ervin

?Journalists? bible? makes changes to gay-related terms

Sometimes words can hurt, especially when they are used by thousands of journalists reaching millions of readers worldwide.

That?s why gay and transgender activists are applauding recent changes to the Associated Press Stylebook & Libel Manual that they say update terms to more accurately identify gay, lesbian and transgender individuals.

Among the changes, the AP now tells reporters not to use the phrase “sexual preference,” which activists say suggests that being gay is a choice.

“The Stylebook is an ongoing institution,” said Kristin Gazlay, AP?s deputy managing editor for national news. “As times change, terminology changes.”