Language and inclusivity - for societies, organisations and individuals

Transgender people should always be addressed and accommodated in the gender they present, unless they specify otherwise. This includes use of pronouns and titles, in notes, speech and correspondance. If in doubt, use neutral terms and ask the person what they prefer.

Most transsexual people will use pronouns based on their identified gender. Transsexual women (people assigned male at birth who live as women) are 'she', transsexual men are 'he.'
Some transsexual people, and many other transgender people, will find a gender-neutral pronoun to be more appropriate. 'They' singular is widely used, and is a useful default if in doubt. Other gender-neutral pronouns are also in use: most commonly, 'xe'/'ze' (he/she/they) and 'hir'/'zir' (his/her/their) - which becomes hirself/zirself.

It is vital that organisations be trans inclusive, as past adverse experiences and fear of discrimination can make many trans people wary of accessing their services.

This resource provides a comprehensive guide to trans inclusivity and is essential reading.

Generally:

- Organisations must provide enough options if asking about gender (for example, on forms) and include the options 'other' and 'would prefer not to say'.

- If wanting to convey 'all welcome' for events, the use of limiting language such as 'gay and straight welcome' will not be sufficiently inclusive: a closed list of those groups welcome can never be long enough! Open language such as 'all genders and sexualities welcome', or simply 'all welcome' is far more useful.

- Try to be aware of accessibility in venues used and events put on - note unisex bathrooms and gender-segregate events with caution, for example.

- If someone notes an area in which an event is not as inclusive as it could be, listen to them and respond constructively.

Copyright L Demtchenko, 2010. If reproducing elsewhere, please include credit and a link back.