LGBTIQA+ inclusive language guide (2024)

FAQs

What are examples of inclusive language in Lgbtq? ›

Instead of "feminine/female pronouns" or "masculine/male pronouns," please use "she/her pronouns" or "he/him pronouns." Instead of "preferred gender pronouns," please use "personal pronouns." Instead of "transvestite," please use "cross dresser." Instead of "hermaphrodite," please use "intersex."

ladies and gentlemen or men and women. Avoid unnecessarily gendered language. There are ways to be gender-neutral and inclusive. You could use everyone or all instead of men and women and distinguished guests or folks instead of ladies and gentlemen.

For example, avoid masculine pronouns or nouns for mixed-gender groups, or defaulting to 'he/him' when a person's gender is unknown or unclear. Avoids assumptions that may exclude people. For example, use carer, guardian, parent, caregiver to avoid assumptions about biological parents.

Instead, just say gender (e.g. “all genders welcome,” “their gender is nonbinary”).

Personal pronouns, a consciously chosen set of words that allow a person to represent their gender identity accurately,are a great example of inclusive language. Pronouns include both gendered pronouns like “He” and “She” as well as gender-neutral pronouns like “They” and “Ze.”

Also, avoid derogatory terms that stem from the context of mental health, for example, “crazy,” “mad,“ “schizo,” or “psycho.” “Guys” is not gender neutral. “The ”universal male” (i.e., using “guys” to mean “people”) assumes that the normal, default human being is male.

These reflect the principles of inclusive language: use gender-neutral terms; avoid ableist language; focus on people not disabilities or circ*mstances; avoid generalizations about people, regions, cultures and countries; and avoid slang, idioms, metaphors and other words with layers of meaning and a negative history.

Terms such as 'half-caste', 'full-blood' and 'part Aboriginal' should not be used. Only use gendered language when it is appropriate for the Avoid using unnecessary gender references, e.g., the male nurse context, e.g., use the Chair rather than Chairman. or the woman doctor, unless it is appropriate for the context.

The word you are looking for when you say 'female' exists. It's 'woman'.

What is the word cisgender mean? ›

Cisgender (also styled as cisgendered and often shortened to cis) describes someone whose internal sense of gender corresponds with the sex the person was identified as having at birth. Most people can be described as cisgender, or cis. If the pronouncement your mom heard at your birth—It's a girl! or It's a boy!

Inclusive language entails using words, phrases, and expressions that respect and include all individuals, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or ability.

Inclusive language respects and acknowledges diverse identities. Using inclusive language involves avoiding terms that perpetuate erasure or exclude people based on prejudices, biases, and stereotypes, while proactively using words that are welcoming and advocate for a more inclusive society.

What Is Inclusive Language? Inclusive language is the use of words, phrases, and expressions that are respectful, honor people's diversity, and avoid exclusionary language.

Gender inclusive language in English

use gender-neutral words, like “humankind” instead of “mankind”, “partner” instead of “wife/husband”, “firefighter” instead of “fireman”, etc. use gender-neutral pronouns, like they/them (singular they), instead of the binary masculine/feminine pronouns.

- he/him/his (for someone who might identify as male), - she/her/hers (for someone who might identify as female), - they/them/their (for someone who might not identify strictly as male or female, these pronouns are considered 'gender neutral'; also used when referring to multiple people).

Example 2: Equal Pay for Equal Work

Gender equality in the workforce means being paid the same salary for equal work, regardless of gender. It also means that if a woman takes time off from work to take maternity leave, for example, she will not be punished when she returns to work.