Examples of folx
Examples of folx
Where does folx come from?
While we can find folx as a general colloquial spelling of folks in the 1990s, the LGBTQ folx showed up in a blog post on queerbychoice.com in 2001. In the post, the author, Clare, uses the phrase queer folx to refer to herself and members of the LGBTQ community.
The x in folks not only represents the sound of the word’s plural, but it also uses the symbolism of letter X to represent “variable” or “other,” here the diverse and nonbinary identities in the LGBTQ community. The term Latinx (vs. the masculine Latino or feminine Latina) works similarly.
In 2014, a Tumblr post by Trans Folx Fighting Eating Disorders stated that they use the term in order to be inclusive of people with different gender identities. However, while use of folx is meant to be welcoming of all members of the LGBTQ community, a 2016 study done by linguist Levi C.R. Hord of the University of Western Ontario found that only a very small percentage of the community are familiar with the term.
Who uses folx?
Folx is most commonly found on social media platforms and blogs. Sometimes the term is used as a collective way to refer to people in the LGBTQ community or a particular subsection of it, e.g., lesbian folx.
And this is one of many reasons why I seek out so many books by marginalized folx btw. A BIPOC heroine will always approach and experience power dynamics differently than a white heroine. A queer MC will have a different perspective than a non-queer MC. #RomBkLove
— Queerly Chaotic M (@maria_reads) November 14, 2018
However, it’s also used to refer to all people while being inclusive of people in marginalized communities.
Apply to this!! I was able to get to GDC last year because of this scholarship and it had such a resounding impact on my career, allowing me to meet so many folx in person I wouldn't have been able to meet otherwise. And if you can, support @INeedDivGms' important work! https://t.co/TRtMsQeIiN
— Josie Brechner 🌺🗡 (@visagermusic) November 13, 2018
If your body positivity and body acceptance movement/content/photography/artwork/writing doesn't include fat and/or disabled folx, then it isn't positive or accepting. pic.twitter.com/PvOXMHHt2J
— Tamara Moon-Graves 🌚 (@TamaraMGraves) December 16, 2018