Blog #97: How to embrace gender-conscious language - 3 best practices

LGBTQI+ Do you struggle, just like me to, first of all, pronounce the word? But secondly, also understand what it actually stands for? Let's check it out as this acronym is a must know these days. L= Lesbian, G= Gay, B = Bi-Sexual, T= Transgender, I thought, but it is broader than that according to abbreviations.yourdictionary:

• Trans: an inclusive term for transgender, non-conforming, and non-binary individuals
• Transsexual: can mean someone transitioning from one sex to another using surgery or medical treatments. However, this term has fallen out of favor for trans or transgender.
• Transgender: term for someone that identifies as a different gender than what was assigned on their birth certificate

What about the rest of the acronym?

Q=? Queer = anyone who does not feel heterosexual, I=? Intersex = anyone who has characteristics of both sexes, male and female.

And when preparing for this blog I have noticed another letter has been added to the acronym: LGBTQI - A+

A= Asexual = anyone who does not feel attracted to anyone else, and the + is for any gender identity or sexual orientation that does not fit in the above.

Is there still more?

Yes, some sources speak about 64 (!) terms that describe gender identities and expressions.

Gender is not the same as sex. Gender is a sociological, cultural concept. Where sex is a biological one. Gender is about behaviour, appearance and competencies. Sex is about chromosomes, hormones and anatomy.

Next to gender, there is a sexual orientation, which can be homosexual, heterosexual or bi-sexual for example. And there is gender identity, there is a whole spectrum of gender identities, for example, people who are transgender. And there is gender expression, the way you show yourself to the world. There is a whole spectrum next to female and male gender expression, like androgyne expression.

Each of these elements is a spectrum and several combinations are possible…

That is how you get to 64 terms that describe gender identities and expression and also to the evolving acronym LGBTQIA+.

One out of sixty people feel they have a gender identity that is different from the ‘classical’ heterosexual orientation, so you will have at least one person in any bigger team.

You could say: ‘I have nothing to do with it, this belongs to the privacy of the employees.’.

Is that correct? What if you are looking to attract talent? Do you exclude this talent pool immediately just by the fact that you do not consider a gender-conscious language? Language has the power to include or exclude even before you have met the person.

What can you easily do so that any prospected candidate feels attracted to apply for the job, regardless of gender identity or expression?

1. Do check if the job title can be put in a gender-conscious way Eg. Replace Sales Man with Sales Rep or Sales Agent.
2. Do check the gender code of the description of the role: Eg. Replace 'master' by 'getting to grips with', 'succeed at'.
3. Switch from the third person (he/she/they) to the second person (you) when this is appropriate Eg. 'The job holder needs to …'. Becomes ‘You will need to…’

This is?my?97th?blog?to inspire you, decision-maker in the hiring process, to attract and keep the talent you need to grow your business, now, and in the future. For you to see how you can become a treasure hunter.

Now, it is your turn.?Please answer the questions below:

Are you ready to embrace gender-sensitive language in all your communications?

Thanks a lot for reading till the end and I am looking forward to reading your reactions.??

Sharing is caring, so if you believe?this?blog?might be beneficial for other people within your network, please feel free to share this blog with them or tag them below. I appreciate it??

Would you like to know more about how to make your language more gender-sensitive??Do leave a comment below and I will set up a call with the first 3 people who react, so that we can assess the challenges you currently have, what you would like to achieve and if I can help you with that.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Enjoy your treasure hunt journey!

Katherina?

Co-Wings, Using Everybody's Wings to Fly!

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About?Katherina Swings

An inspirational?connector, a multi-lingual?contributor?with international (working and living) experience, an inspirational speaker, a seasoned HR person with two decades of corporate experience, an experienced change?manager?with business savvy, a creative?writer, a certified professional?learning facilitator, a certified inclusive leadership trainer, a certified employer brander, a?multi-cultural networker, an active?listener…

My?vision?is to create a positive world by connecting people who discover each other’s strengths.

My?mission?is to support?10 000 managers worldwide to become (more) in-clusive.

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Below????????????you will find?my?96?previous blogs??????????????Let me know your feedback after reading them!?