Assuming everyone is heterosexual or cisgender erases the diversity of sexual and gender identities that exist around the world. These assumptions reaffirm often false and negative stereotypes about members of the LGBTQ+ identity groups, limiting who they are and how they are perceived. Various individuals are working to become more aware and inclusive of the various sexual and gender identities that have and continue to exist in our contemporary world. There remain various outdated terms that continue to be used that are disrespectful if not outright offensive, leading to changes in the everyday language used to describe and reference these individuals. Today’s blog post seeks to encourage the use of inclusive language by focusing on LGBTQ+ appropriate terms and phrases. Be aware that there are additional terms that are inclusive of other identities (e.g., race, religion, ability, age, socioeconomic status, etc.) that exist, but they will not be directly addressed in this post.
First, however, it is important to recognize and acknowledge the motivations and reasons for why someone would want to adopt more inclusive language, particularly as it relates to LGBTQ+ individuals. Gender and sexual identity neutral language can help protect LGBTQ+ populations from harm, be it emotional, psychological, or physical harm. Not everyone is tolerant or accepting of these individuals, so neutral language can protect their identities in a respectful way. It is also important to normalize the use of gender and sexual identity neutral language. This makes it less taboo and not an immediate indicator of someone from these identity groups, particularly if they wish to have their personal information remain private and protected. Therefore, volunteering information, such as one’s personal pronouns, helps normalize these terms and phrases.
It is important to acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and it is a perpetual learning process to learn, understand, and adopt more inclusive language. Those who revert to old, outdated, disrespectful, and/or offensive terms may not be doing so out of malintent. They also may not be doing so intentionally. Learning and using inclusive language is a conscious and willful process, and it can happen that one forgets or unintentionally misspeaks. It could also be that they were unaware that the term they were using was disrespectful or offensive, so a polite reminder or brief instruction may be necessary and useful.
With this information in mind here is a list of outdated terms that promote the gender binary and erase gender identity diversity that one should be aware of and begin to phase out if they wish to be more inclusive with their language choices:
o Ladies and gentlemen
o Men and women of (insert group)
o Boys and girls
o Brothers and sisters
o He or she
o S/he
o Sir or Madam
Instead the following terms should be adopted and used as they are gender neutral:
o Esteemed guests
o Friends and colleagues
o The individual/person
o Students
o Siblings
o Everyone
o The participant(s)
o (Employee title) of all genders or simply (gender neutral employee title, e.g., the Faculty)
There is also a list of outdated terms that are harmful and/or offensive to transgendered individuals. Outdated terms include transvestite or transsexual wherein transgender should be used instead. Instead of saying sex reassignment or change when addressing medical procedures a trans individual may opt to undergo say gender affirmation, transition care, or change of gender marker. If the individual you are referencing does drag or wears clothing of a different gender then you can refer to them as a drag queen/king or dressing in drag if they are amendable to either, or if it is unknown what their preference is then simply say they are a cross dresser.
Individuals who are not transgendered are often referred to as cisgendered. This is not an offensive or a pejorative term despite what some claim. It simply means that the person identifies as the gender associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. If someone does not want to be referred to as cisgendered, as is their right, you can simply say that they are not transgendered or a non-transgender individual/man/woman.
Within the LGBTQ+ identity groups are a category known as intersexed, which often denotes individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy of both sexes. The outdated term often used to describe or label these individuals is hermaphrodite, which is derived from Greek mythology, but the preferred and contemporary term is intersexed.
If the topic of sexual orientation comes up it is passe to say that someone has a sexual preference or lifestyle. It is more appropriate to say that it is their sexual identity or orientation. The former suggests there is a choice in who one is attracted to or has intimate relationships with (which then the individual can choose not to be gay), whereas the latter recognizes there is no choice in attraction or intimate relationships.
Again, the choice to use more inclusive language is a personal one, but by opting to use more inclusive language you are acknowledging and respecting the existence of various types and groups of people. This list is by no means an exhaustive list of all the different types of inclusive language options that exist, nor is it a complete list of the LGBTQ+ options available (e.g., referencing partner or spouse instead of boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife). An additional resource that you may wisht to review is this post about the singular they, which is one personal (not gendered) pronoun option.
Works Cited
LGBTQ+ Equity Center. "Good Practices: Inclusive Language ." 2024. University of Maryland Office of Diversity & Inclusion. Electronic. 9 May 2024.
LGBTQIA Resource Center. "Pronouns and Inclusive Language." 18 March 2024. UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Center. Electronic. 9 May 2024.
State Government of Victoria. "Top Five Principles." 27 October 2023. LGBTIQA+ inclusive language guide. Electronic. 9 May 2024.
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