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4. Inclusive language
What does LGBTQIA+ stand for and why it's important for inclusive language.
What is inclusive language?
Inclusive language is the practice of avoiding the spoken or written use of any words or expressions that results in exclusion to groups of people.
Specifically, LGBTQIA+ inclusive language is a way to acknowledge and respect the diversity of bodies, genders and relationships. People express gender and sexuality in different ways.
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Why is this important?
Inclusive language is important in collaborative environments because it can:
List of Inclusive words and phrases
Not Inclusive
Alternative
Biological sex
Assigned sex
Chairman
Chair or chairperson
Default he/his pronouns for everyone
They/them/theirs
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, men and women, brothers and sisters, sir/madam
All here, colleagues, everyone, esteemed guests, honored guests, friends and colleagues, students, siblings, family, the participant(s), members, or folx
Mankind
Humanity or people
Manpower
Workforce, team
Default to using wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband for everyone
Partner, spouse
Opposite sex
Other sex
Homosexual
gay, lesbian
transsexual
Trans or transgender
sex change or sex reassignment
gender affirmation, transition care, change of gender marker
Biological man, biological woman
cisgender man, cisgender woman
feminine/female pronouns, masculine/male pronouns
she/her pronouns, he/him pronouns
Preferred gender pronouns
Personal pronouns
Lifestyle, preference
Orientation, identity
Born female, born male
Assigned female/male at birth
There are no rows in this table
What is the correct acronym?
Short: They all are!
Long: The LGBT or LGBTQ or LGBTQIA+ or LGBTQ2+ or “LGBTQ2 Plus” full acronym stands for
LGBTQQIP2SAA full acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous and asexual
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What if I used the incorrect term?
Take a deep breath. This part is difficult. Admitting that we are wrong or unsure is to be vulnerable. First, apologize for the mistake. Correct your mistake by using the correct term or pronoun. If you realize the mistake after, apologize in private.
It is okay to ask the person their pronoun(s), but it’s not okay to ask what that person thinks that all those in their group wish to be called. A single person does not represent the entirety of any group. It is not their job to teach you, but it is your responsibility to learn and grow through empathy and listening. This issue takes a lot of dimensions and depth within the LGBTQIA++ community, and is likely very personal, so treat everyone with care.
Intent is not the same as impact.
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