To fulfil the gap of limited research on sexual and gender minorities in the context of disaster management, this paper examines the findings from an in depth, qualitative study on the experiences and inclusiveness of LGBTI people as ‘clients’ in emergencies. Four semi-structured interviews with lesbian or bisexual women were conducted and thematic analysis was used to identify key categories of ‘language and assumptions’. Findings demonstrated that members of the LGBTI community continue to experience stigma, discrimination and violence within the disaster management sector. Evidence of discriminatory behaviour not being challenged at leadership level continues to perpetuate a damaging and excluding culture within emergency management practices and policies.