University of Suffolk Gender Inclusive Language Guidance

USING GENDER INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE

In language terms, the most inclusive strategy is to avoid references to a person’s gender except where it is pertinent to the discussion. If you are in conversation with someone and you are unsure of their gender identity, use gender neutral language and take cues from the individual. Remember to avoid stereotyping people and not base their identity on how they look.

If you make a mistake, that is OK! You just need to correct yourself and apologise. Language will always be complicated and old habits are hard to get out of but people should be able to identify as they feel and whatever words/labels align with that.

Using gender-neutral language makes a big difference in the workplace and the classroom. It makes everyone feel welcome, no matter their identity. It sets an example for employees and students that gender-neutral language is the norm and that no one should assume anything about someone without asking first.

The table below helps break down how gendered language is used day to day and tips on how to amend your language to be more gender inclusive.

Tips Instead of Try

Use gender neutral terms

Man, Mankind

Workmanship

Man-made

Humans, Humankind

Quality of work/skills

Artificial, manufactured, synthetic

Use gender neutral pronouns and expressions

Welcome ladies and gentlemen

You guys

This group of ladies

Welcome folks

You all

This group of people

Respect the preferences of those people who want to be referred to by gender neutral pronouns

Use terms that include all relationships

Avoid titles that imply the usual job-holder being of a particular gender

She, her, hers and he, him, his

They, them, theirs

It is correct to use in the singular

Boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, husband, mum, dad

Cleaning ladies

Fireman Chairman

Partner, spouse, parent

Cleaners

Firefighter Chairperson