Inclusive Language

Inclusive language is defined as “language that avoids the use of certain expressions or words that might be considered to exclude particular groups of people.”

Words are powerful and we want to create content that connects with our audience. We want to keep individuals at the center and avoid referring to personal characteristics like gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or ability unless it's relevant to the topic. The language we use should reflect other's choices in how they describe themselves.

This guidance is influenced by the following style guides, all of which provide excellent learning resources on the meaning behind terms and concepts.

Guiding Questions:

Do you need to refer to personal characteristics such as sex, religion, racial group, disability, or age at all?
Are the references to group characteristics couched in inclusive terms?
Do the references to people reflect the diversity of that audience?
Is your use of jargon and acronyms (J&A’s) excluding people who may not have specialized knowledge of a particular subject?
Inclusive language does not mean cumbersome, dull, or vague language; it simply means language that has been carefully constructed in ways that treat all people with respect and impartiality.

Ability and Disability

Focus on people rather than their disabilities
Only mention disabilities when they're relevant
Ask, don't assume, how people identify
Avoid using terms that perpetuate stigmas around mental illness or disabilities

Why: We want to focus on the person, not their disability

Why: These terms have historically been used to segregate people with disabilities.

Why: We want to avoid insensitive language and fat-shaming.

Why: We want to avoid terms that have historically been used to segregate people with disabilities.

Why: We want to avoid using derogatory terms or specific conditions for "effect."

Why: We want to avoid framing people as victims.

Age

Avoid referring to someone's age unless it's relevant to what you're writing about
Avoid terms that stereotype or imply that a particular age group is more or less able, or have stereotypical characteristics based on age alone
Avoid terms that limit or categorize

Why: We don't want to use terms that have connotations.

Why: We don't want to imply that being young is preferable.

Culture and Religion

Don't use terms that have religious origins
Avoid using language that perpetuates a "them and us" mentality
Don't use terms that ignore the history and achievements of any culture
Avoid using words, images, or situations that reinforce cultural or religious stereotypes

Why: We don't want to imply that a group is a lesser part of a whole or give power to a "majority."

Why: We don't want to use culturally insensitive references to sacred practices, rituals, and beliefs.

Why: We don't want to exclude people living in a country that aren't citizens (such as refugees or via holders).

Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation

Use gender neutral language
Don't use language that privileges men and renders other identities as invisible or inferior
Avoid stereotyping or disparaging LBTQIA+ people
Avoid words and phrases that indicate gender bias
Avoid guessing sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
Avoid using language that reinforces the assumption that all personal relationships are heterosexual

Why: We want to recognize gender as a spectrum rather than a binary.

Why: We don't want to reinforce the assumption that all relationships are heterosexual.

Why: We don't want to assume others' identities or exclude others.

Why: We want to use gender neutral terms unless we are writing about someone who has specifically stated a preference.

Why: We don't want to render other identities as invisible or inferior.

Why: We don't want to belittle women or place them in a position of inferiority.

Race and Ethnicity

Avoid emphasis on differences between groups of people
Avoid stereotyping or positive/negative generalizations
Avoid promoting ethnic or racial invisibility
Don't make assumptions - ask how people identify
When referring to a person's race or ethnicity, use adjectives and not nouns (for example, A Hispanic person, not A Hispanic)

Examples

Why: We don't want to reinforce the concept that black and white are opposed and one is better than the other.

Why: We don't want to use terms that reference slavery.

Why: The term “grandfather clause” originated in the American South in the 1890s as a way to defy the 15th Amendment and prevent black Americans from voting. It’s also ageist.

Why: We don't want to use phrases that are insensitive to Native Americans.

Socio-economic Status

Treat all people fairly, regardless of where they're from or what they do
Avoid negative terms based on where someone's from or what they do

Why: We don't want to define people by a single experience or make it seem like the experience is their fault.

Why: "Peanut gallery" was a nickname for the cheapest and ostensibly rowdiest seats in the theater, the occupants of which were often known to heckle the performers. In America, this was often a negative reference to lower-socio economic classes.