Accessibility and inclusion: Gender-inclusive language

In our January newsletter, we shared guidance for accessibility and inclusion concerns when writing for the web. In this month’s newsletter we focus on improving content by removing gendered language.

In order to effectively reach the widest audience, gender-inclusive language is recommended when writing for the web. Words such as “mankind” may be intended to refer to all genders, but it is better practice to utilize non-gendered words such as “humanity.” Doing this shows that consideration has been made to reach everyone in your audience.

Use of pronouns

While we have long utilized phrases such as “firefighter” and “flight attendant” instead of “fireman” and “stewardess” to remove gender bias in nouns, the use of pronouns is an area that has been rapidly evolving in the last decade. The Rainbow Resource Center’s Safe Zone Training gives good guidance on this, and we recommend those who are interested in being more inclusive on campus RSVP for an upcoming training.

Established practices for use of pronouns include using both genders in a format such as his/her or she/he. Another tactic can be to alternate between male and female pronouns in your writing. Both of these solutions serve to call attention to the use of gender in pronouns, and rarely occur naturally in spoken conversation.

Consider using they/their/them

These plural pronouns— they, their, them— are inclusive when writing about groups, and usage is evolving to become a standard for a third-person, gender-neutral pronoun.

When in doubt, ask— but ask consistently

Many students, faculty and staff will share their preferred pronouns in their email signature, business card, or during introductions. When writing about a specific person, it is important to refer to them using their preferred pronouns. If you are unsure what those may be, you can always ask the person. At the same time, it is important not to assume that someone may or may not have preferred pronouns; if you do reach out to learn this information, be sure you are doing so consistently with everyone you are writing about.

More reading on this topic

The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has published a handout on gender-inclusive language.

If you have any questions about web accessibility, or want to see us cover an accessibility topic in a future newsletter, please get in touch with us at um.weboffice@maine.edu.