Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence; does more than represent the limits of knowledge; it limits knowledge.
Toni Morrison, African-American Novelist
Gender and sexuality inclusive writing can be difficult. To many of us, it may seem like a whole new world of terms out there. This section of our guide aims to outline basic gender-expansive vocabulary, and provide resources to enhance your understanding of the same. The page includes recommended approaches that aim to recognise, respect and honour the individuality of every human being in our changing world.
Gendered, heteronormative and sexist language persists as an unfortunate reflection of the attitudes and norms within our society. English has very few gender markers, and those that do exist are mostly pronouns and possessives (such as he/she and her/his) and gendered forms of address (Mr/Ms). Most English nouns are gender-neutral and only a few have specifically feminine or masculine forms (waiter/waitress). Therefore, the main challenge for gender and sexuality inclusive writing in English is to move beyond the assumptions and biases that our work may carry.
Even if your work does not address issues of gender identity, sex or sexuality directly, being mindful of language is sure to have a positive impact on your writing. The use of gender-inclusive language seeks to respect and acknowledge all gender identities and remove assumptions of a patriarchal morphological structure. While the use of sexuality-inclusive language avoids heteronormative norms and embraces all sexual orientations. Adapting our language then, is a simple but rewarding step toward a more inclusive society.
The American Psychological Association's (APA) Style Guide on Gender presents readers with a simple but thorough exploration of writing about gender and using gender-inclusive language. Beginning with explanations of key terms that enhance understanding of concepts related to gender and sexuality, the guide aims to provide readers with all the information needed from the outset. It then goes on to set out an elaborate set of guidelines with examples highlighting the commonly problematic v. preferred ways of writing. Overall, the guide encompasses all a writer (and an amateur at gender-inclusive writing) may need to know in order to enhance the accessibility of their language.
The Radical Copyeditor's Style Guide For Writing About Transgender People
Ask a Radical Copyeditor: What's the Best Way to Refer to Everyone Who Isn't Cis?
The APA Style Guide - Gender is published by the American Psychological Association, the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Comprising of one of the largest research groups in the country, it represents the cumulative effort of more than 133,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Aiming to utilise psychology to make a positive impact on critical societal issues, the APA has recently launched its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) program. This style guide is one of the many substantive works created as part of the program.
The Radical Copyeditor is a blog helmed by Alex Kapitan. Queer and genderqueer spiritual activist, educator and organizer, and radical copyeditor, Kapitan found zir inspiration working at the South End Press, a majority women of color–run book publishing collective.
McGill Library • Questions? Ask us!
Privacy notice