your quick guide to Gender-inclusive language
your quick guide to Gender-inclusive language
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What Gender-Exclusionary Language Looks Like
What Gender-Exclusionary Language Looks Like
Masculine-biased language. It is common to default to masculine-biased language such as mankind, manmade, manpower, chairman and congressman, and to default to "he", "him" or "his" as generic pronouns. This androcentric practice marginalizes and renders invisible other genders by reinforcing the idea that masculinity is the default or preferred. It can create mental imagery that excludes women and people of other genders. For instance, if we continue to use the term chairman then we will always create this imagery of a chair as a male or masculine figure. It also discourages other genders from applying for these roles as they may feel these positions are not intended for them.
Binary language. Binary language presumes that only two genders and two sexes exist. Gender and sex exist on a spectrum and cannot be neatly categorized into man and woman, and male and female without rendering entire groups of people invisible.
Unnecessary gender references. Avoid unnecessary gender references when describing roles. For instance, you might be tempted to describe your superior as "bossy" and blame it on her being a woman when the two are unrelated. However, gender references can be helpful when it serves to highlight issues such as inequality. As an example,
The Impacts of Gender-Exclusionary Language
The Impacts of Gender-Exclusionary Language
Reinforces the idea that masculinity is the default or preferred, creating mental imagery that excludes women and people of other genders.
Perpetuates stereotypes about sex and gender, limiting the potential, opportunities, and choices available to individuals.
Promotes and encourages the idea that only two genders and two sexes exist, rendering other genders invisible.
Creates barriers to accessing healthcare, social services, and full community participation.
The Simple Rules of Gender-Inclusive Language
The Simple Rules of Gender-Inclusive Language
Go genderless. Always default to a gender-neutral option whenever possible. Be conscious about binary language that implies that only two genders or sexes exist.
Embrace diversity. People are diverse. Sex and gender are diverse. Avoid assumptions about a person's gender, sexual orientation, or pronouns.
Avoid stereotypes. Don't create assumptions about a person's character based on a few characteristics.
Singular They
Singular They
They can be used as a singular pronoun when used to refer to a person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, irrelevant, or non-binary! The use of singular they is not a modern invention but has been used in English literature for over 600 years! If you don't trust me, you might trust Merriam-Webster🔗 or the Oxford English Dictionary🔗.
Examples of the use of singular they in literature:
c. 1350. William and the Werewolf. ‘Each man hurried . . . till they drew near . . . where William and his darling were lying together.’
1599. Hamlet by William Shakespeare. "There's not a man I meet but doth salute me / As if I were their well-acquainted friend"
Examples of singular they in everyday language today:
Unknown gender: "Someone left their book at my office. If they come looking for it, could you please let them know that they can pick it up from reception?"
Unspecified / Irrelevant: "Any employee can receive a bonus if they complete the safety training workshop."
Non-binary: "Casey is gender-fluid and they work in the accounting department."
Basic Examples of Gender-Inclusive Language
Basic Examples of Gender-Inclusive Language
Examples of Gender-Inclusive Medical Terms
Examples of Gender-Inclusive Medical Terms
Even the medical community has begun to adopt gender-inclusive language. When we address bodies and body parts as genderless, we respect trans and intersex people.
Note: This isn't to say we should banish the terms on the right entirely. Context matters. But by making gender-inclusive language our default, we create a more accessible healthcare environment. The exception is anatomical labeling: there’s almost no situation where defining body parts by gender adds value to patient care.
Examples of Gender-Neutral Family Terms
Examples of Gender-Neutral Family Terms
Quick tip! Find the terms that work for you, and feel free to make up your own!
Disclaimer: The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only.For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney. The Supreme Court Lawyer's List: https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/lawyers_list🔗For medical advice, consult a licensed physician. For hormone therapy, your first choice should be an endocrinologist. If you cannot consult an endocrinologist, try anyone in internal medicine.
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