Inclusive Practices

When we use inclusive language, we show that we respect the LGBTQIA+ community, we build trust between ourselves and people within LGBTQIA+ communities, and we create safer spaces that empower people to show up as their authentic selves. Practice mindfulness to ensure your language is inclusive of all people regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation, and expression.

Assumptive Language to Avoid:

• "Guys" / "You Guys" 

  • • Inclusive Options: "Everyone / All / Team / Colleagues "

• "He or She" / "His or Hers "

  • • Inclusive Options: "Them / They / The participant"

• "Yes Ma'am" / "No Sir" 

  • • Inclusive Options: “Yes, please / No, thank you” 

• "Mailman, policeman, fireman, etc." 

  • • Inclusive Options: "Mail carrier, police officer, fire fighter, etc. "

• "Boys and Girls" / "Brothers and Sisters"

  • • Inclusive Options: "Everyone / All / Children / Siblings"

• "Ladies and Gentlemen" 

  • • Inclusive Options: "Esteemed Guests"

• “Man” used as a verb (i.e. “Could you please man that station?”) 

  • • Inclusive Options: "Staff / work" (“Could you please staff that station?”) 

When we all share our pronouns, we reinforce that everyone has a gender identity and we reduce appearance-based assumptions. Even if you feel that your pronouns align with your gender expression, sharing your pronouns supports others!

Example pronouns:

• She/Her/Hers (feminine pronouns)

•  He/Him/ His (masculine pronouns)

• They/Them/Their (neutral pronouns)

• Ze/Zir/Zirs (neutral pronouns)

• Ze/Hir/Hirs (neutral pronouns)

Add pronouns to your display name:

• Zoom

• Google Meet

• Linked In

• Email Signature

While we love to offer spaces that embrace authenticity and welcome personal sharing, it is not our role to request others to share personal information. Be cautious about the questions you ask others and focus on creating an inclusive avenue for people to share on their own time, if they choose to do so. Before asking a question about anyone’s personal life, it is important to pause and ask yourself, “do I really need to know this to be successful?” and “why am I curious about this?” As long as asked with positive intent, the only questions that could cultivate an inclusive space are: “what are your personal pronouns?” and “what is your preferred name?” 

We must also respect one another's experiences. It is not appropriate to share another person's identity, stories, or experiences without explicit permission. For example, someone might grant permission to inform others of their pronouns or preferred name. However, it is unlikely that we will receive permission to share details about another person's identity. When in doubt, assume that information shared with you is meant to be confidential unless told otherwise.

We are responsible for our own development and we are accountable for the knowledge we do or do not possess. Therefore, it is essential that we recognize how our current knowledge may contribute to our perspectives and behaviors. We are surrounded by resources that can provide the education we need to contribute to an inclusive community.