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Bias Free Language for Gender Identity and Expression
| In recent years we
have seen the emergence of a movement based on gender identity and gender expression. This movement, made up of transgender,
transsexual, intersexual, drag, genderqueer and gender-variant persons and our allies, has demanded that all persons have
the right to express their gender identity/expression freely without discrimination, violence or harassment. In order to foster
an environment which cherishes all forms of gender diversity, it is important to be attentive to language and how it affects
the gender community. Here are several language issues to be aware of when writing about or addressing the gender community
and the community as a whole.
1. Avoid the term “transvestite.” This older term has negative psychiatric,
fetishistic and sexual connotations that many dislike. Consider using the more neutral term “Cross-dresser” instead.
2. Avoid phrases like the “opposite sex.” This implies that there are two polar opposite sexes which account
for all of humanity. Consider instead phrases like “the gender continuum” or “the gender spectrum”
which posit that there are more than two discrete genders.
3.Do not use “sex” and “gender”
interchangeably. Typically, “sex” refers to a cluster of anatomical, biological and chromosomal features, while
“gender” refers to social, and cultural features associated with masculinity and femininity.
4. Refer
to trans and gender-variant persons by an appropriate pronoun. When in doubt, and if possible, tactfully ask the person which
pronoun they prefer and respectfully refer to them by it. Do not automatically use the pronoun associated with the individual’s
biological sex, as this may conflict with their preferred gender expression and never refer to a person as an “it”
as this is used to describe inanimate objects.
5. Understand that some people in the gender community prefer to
use alternative pronouns to describe their reality. Examples include: s/he (pronounced see), ze, and the possessive hir (pronounced
here). Just as the generic “he” does not describe all persons, he/she leaves out trans persons who do not identify
with bipolar gender roles.
6. Words like “she-male” “shim” “he-she” and “sex-change”
are all offensive epithets which trivialize, sensationalize or distort trans persons’ realities and should not be used.
7. Some persons in the gender community prefer to use the term “sex confirmation surgery” in place of
the more outdated “sex reassignment surgery.” Many contend that there is nothing to “reassign,” but
rather the surgery confirms the body to the internal gender identity. A similar term is “gender realignment surgery”
which points to how the surgical procedure uses science to realign the body to agreement with the internal sense of self.
8. Remember to honor all people’s humanity and avoid referring to them only as a particular identity category.
“She’s a trans” or “he’s a sex-change” are both examples which put too much emphasis on
one identity category. Hence, some persons prefer terms like “woman of transsexual experience” or “person
of transgender experience” because they stress personhood, humanity and wholeness. Avoid using "transgenders"
as a plural; use transgender people instead.
9. There is massive discrimination aimed at persons of transgender,
transsexual, intersexual and drag experience. The term “transphobia” refers to the irrational fear and hatred
of people who transgress or violate the dominant gender categories. Oftentimes, transpeople are subsumed under the gay and
lesbian community, and their very accomplishments and identities are seen as synonymous with homosexuality. While many trans-identified
persons face homophobia, terms like “transphobia” call attention to the specificities of trans experience. In
addition, reversing “GLBT” to “TBLG” honors and affirms trans people and makes an important point.
10. Be sensitive about language and try to honor and cherish the diversity of gendered identities and expressions.
There are more and more terms emanating from the trans community all the time. Some may express frustration and declare “we
don’t know what to call them.” The plethora of words to describe identities should be seen as a strength, asset
and a challenge rather than as a negative annoyance.
11. Make forms reflect the diversity of gender expression.
Boxes marked “male” and “female” leave many gender-diverse people out. Just as the bi- and multi-racial
movement have demanded more choices than “black” or “white,” many in the trans community would like
to see the addition of more choices.
12. Do not identify a person’s gender identity/expression unless it
is relevant. Oftentimes, sensationalistic news pieces will mention a person’s transgender-status even if this bears
no connection to the story at hand.
13. Avoid phrases like “real women” and “real men.”
These perpetuate gender stereotypes and often negate or stigmatize gender and sexual minorities.
14. Understand
that “passing” is a controversial issue in the trans community. Avoid praising those who are able to “pass”
because this both perpetuates the gender binary system and devalues those people who are unable and/or unwilling to “pass.”
Terms like “passability” or “realness” may cheapen transgender people’s unique gender expressions
and stigmatize those people who are easily “read.” Statements like that cross-dresser looks kind of “rough”
or that transwoman needs help with her make-up imply that trans people want or need make-over help or that they are all trying
to “pass” as conventionally gendered people. Accept people as they are and honor their gender diversity, whether
or not it accords to the dominant categories. If appropriate, compliment trans people on their appearance, and realize the
courage it takes for many people to walk out of their home cross-dressed for the first time.
15. Instead of using
words like "biological" or "genetic" to describe natal women, consider using "non-transgender women"
instead. Also, "gender-normative" is being used more and mroe to describe non-transgender or conventionally-gendered
people. Cisgendered is another term that is increasingly being used. Cisgender means that one's identity and presentation
matches their physical morphology.
16. Do not use the term "hermaphrodite" as it is offensive. Use intersex
instead. Also, be aware that the term "ambiguous genitalia" is offensive to many intersex people and activists.
The "ambiguity" is due to societal definitions of male and female, not to intersex people's bodies.
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