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AMA Manual of Style (10th ed.) : A Guide for Authors and Editors

AMA Manual of Style Committee

Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Mar 2007
Print ISBN-13:
9780195176339
Published to AMA Manual of Style:
Apr 2009
DOI:
10.1093/jama/9780195176339.001.0001
© American Medical Association
Contents

Sexual Orientation

Chapter:
Correct and Preferred Usage
Author(s):

Roxanne K. Young

11.10.5 Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation should be indicated in a manuscript only when scientifically relevant. The term sexual preference should be avoided because it implies a voluntary choice of sexual orientation not supported by the scientific literature. In some contexts, reference to specific sexual behaviors (eg, men who have sex with men) may be more relevant than sexual orientation.

The nouns lesbians and gay men are preferred to the broader term homosexuals when referring to specific groups of women and men, respectively. Avoid using gay or gays as a noun. Heterosexual and homosexual may be used as adjectives (eg, heterosexual men).

A member of a heterosexual or homosexual couple may be referred to as spouse, companion, partner, or life partner. Same-sex couple and same-sex marriage are appropriate terminology.