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4 LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children’s Librarianship steps (if you have to) while thinking long-term. We want to call on ­cis-allo-het allies to step up and use their privilege to be outspoken about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity when colleagues and youth cannot be. Every library can do more than it is currently doing, and every librarian can do more today than yester- day. Cultural change, including official ALA guidance, does not happen in a vacuum, but because of the relentless advocacy of marginalized folks and their allies. Be realistic about the structural barriers you may be facing, but also be willing to fight the roadblocks you can fight. Don’t get defeated by the baby steps, but also don’t feel satisfied by them. If you have the institutional and structural power, change the policy. If you don’t have that power, ­subvert the status quo however you can. Understanding the Terminology We Use Language is important because when used mindfully, it is one of the ­ easiest ways to let LGBTQIA+ children and youth know that you are a safe person they can come to for support and a listening ear. Like all language, LGBTQIA+ terminology is contextual, subject to change, and unique to the person using it. Here we identify some of the most prominent terminologies we use in this book. This list of terms is neither exhaustive nor complete, and there are variations in the ways these terms are used among individuals and within communities. If you don’t understand a term when you hear someone use it, don’t be afraid to ask! Some of these terms, such as queer, should be used with caution because they require an understanding of personal privilege and the LGBTQIA+ people using the word. • Alloromantic. A label describing people who regularly experience romantic attraction to others and are not on the aromantic spectrum. • Allosexual. A label describing people who regularly experience sexual attraction to others and are not on the asexual spectrum. • Aromantic spectrum. An umbrella term for a spectrum describing a lack of romantic attraction. Like the asexuality spectrum, the aromantic (also referred to as aro) spectrum can describe people who experience varying Remember! Children and youth are still experimenting with the words they choose to define and describe their identities, thoughts, and ­ feelings. Their terminology will change and evolve, just like the ­ terminology used by the larger LGBTQIA+ community changes and evolves. For instance, one in four LGBTQIA+ youth use pronoun ­ combinations outside the male/female binary, such as they/them/theirs and neopronouns, such as ze/hir/hirs.17