The Power of Trans-Inclusive Communication Practices in Shaping Public Opinion

Article written by Naomhán O'Connor and Andreo Gustavo (Ele, Dele) ??????????

What is inclusive communication?

Inclusive communication is a deliberate and respectful approach to language and representation that affirms the diverse identities and lived experiences of individuals and communities. It requires not only the use of inclusive language but also opportunities for individuals and communities to use their own voice/s to decide how they want to be represented in the public domain.?

Historically, marginalized communities have been misrepresented through the framing of their experience as “other.” This approach is rooted in colonial and imperialistic practices that seek to dehumanize entire cultures in order to justify their oppression and eradication. This “othering” is an exclusionary communication practice that results in marginalization and ostracisation, even within communities that are themselves being oppressed.

Inclusive communication practices, on the other hand, focus on fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment and mutual understanding that draws upon our commonalities while celebrating our differences by eliciting parallels that reflect the universality of human existence.

The power of communication

A fundamental aspect of human existence is a desire to feel connected with those around us. To communicate is ultimately to connect with the world. Nowadays, the power of social media has given anyone with access to the internet, technology, and a safe environment for free speech the opportunity to share their story and represent themselves using their own voice. However, it would be inaccurate to say that this has undone generations of power dynamics that have oppressed various communities and cultures around the world. Increasingly, mainstream media is being restricted and controlled by a powerful few who are using their influence to dictate representation and communication without respect for ethical journalistic guidelines and professional standards meant to uphold accuracy, fairness and integrity in reporting. Structural inequalities still exist, and a widening economic gap is being exacerbated by other environmental concerns, such as climate change, the rise of far-right politics, and the increasing restriction of the rights of marginalized communities around the globe.?

Inclusive communication practices have the power not only to make people feel visible, acknowledged and respected but also to challenge wider social norms and assumptions that, if effectively communicated, can transform the lived realities of historically marginalized and objectified communities. While the representation of trans and gender diverse communities in mainstream media has increased significantly, this growth in visibility has not paralleled advancements in access to rights, dignity and meaningful inclusivity.

Trans and gender diverse communities are regularly misrepresented, stigmatized and objectified in public communications ranging from political speeches to news coverage. So what can be done to counter such negative and damaging communications?

Trans-inclusive communication practices

Trans-inclusive communication practices not only validate trans and gender diverse individuals but also contribute to a more just, equitable and understanding society. There are three fundamental pillars to trans-inclusive communications: 1. Share your platforms to let communities use their own voices; 2. Ensure representation is inclusive of cultural differences, taking into account the intersectionality of identities; 3. Use respectful language when communicating about communities. These three pillars uphold the values upon which all inclusive communication practices should be based: authenticity, empowerment and respect. These building blocks can be applied to any community, but below is outlined how these pillars apply specifically to trans and gender diverse communities.

1. Giving voice to communities

The most powerful tool in overcoming misrepresentation is to give trans and gender diverse communities a platform to use their own voices. Allowing communities to set the agenda ensures authenticity in the stories that are being shared. By highlighting trans and gender diverse experiences, you can contribute to promoting a more accurate and empathetic understanding of trans and gender diverse communities in spaces that our voices might otherwise be excluded from. This practice can help to break down gendered stereotypes, dissipate misconceptions and myths and raise awareness among the general public. You can use your platform to bring attention to experiences that can resonate with people outside of the trans and gender diverse community, thus building mutual understanding and acceptance.

2. Recognizing diversity

Trans and gender diverse people represent a wide spectrum of identities and lived experiences. Understanding the nuances of these is a mandatory starting point for establishing any trans-inclusive communication practice. Our communities have intersecting identities that represent multiple marginalized communities. Recognizing intersectionality requires an understanding of how multiple identities intersect and impact a person’s life as a whole. Gender Dynamix Campaign on Trans Refugees is an excellent example that you can learn from. Intersectionality acknowledges the various cultural, political, religious, social and personal identities one might have, and these aspects must be taken into account when creating an inclusive communication practice. Using intersectionality as a value, framework, and tool in your communications also not only means recognizing this diversity but also creating strategies and practices that reflect and challenge intersecting systems of oppression (racism, colonialism, ableism, anti-sex work, etc.)

3. Being respectful

When you’re writing about trans and gender diverse communities, it is essential to respect the language that our communities use for themselves. This language is so diverse, so specific to location and language, that it would be impossible for us to provide a simple ‘dos and don’ts’ list. Therefore, it is important to listen carefully to trans and gender diverse community members when they speak about themselves and to ask them what terms they prefer to use when referring to themselves.

Likewise, do not assume a person’s pronouns, and always respect a person’s chosen name. For a variety of reasons, including personal safety and social/family acceptance, trans and gender diverse people can have a complicated relationship with names and the way their names are used. For anyone you communicate with, whether they are part of the trans community or not, ask the question: “What name and pronouns would you like me to use when writing/speaking about you?” and then make sure you use the name and pronouns correctly with the person’s consent to share it. Always get this information directly from the individual in question and not from acquaintances, family members, or colleagues.

You should also consider how you are framing language. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you using language that objectifies or humanizes? Are you taking into account and respecting the multitude of identities embodied by an individual? Are you being respectful of the individual? Additionally, you should always ask for permission to use stories and photos/videos, even if they are already in the public domain.

Finally, as part of good inclusive communication practices, you should always provide the opportunity for feedback on what you have produced before it goes public. In this way, you can avoid simple errors that could otherwise result in miscommunication and offense to trans and gender diverse communities. It’s OK to make mistakes. But if they happen, own it, apologize, reflect on what happened, do your research to prevent it from happening again and keep improving.

Trans-inclusive communication practice checklist

The three pillars outlined above are simply starting points for you to start reflecting, designing and strategizing around trans-inclusive communication practices. To assist you in this, we have provided a checklist below to guide you:

? Am I creating a space for trans and gender diverse people to use their own voices?

? Am I promoting an empathetic understanding of trans and gender diverse communities?

? Do I have a sound understanding of how multiple identities (cultural, political, historical, social and personal aspects) intersect and impact a person’s life as a whole?

? Am I reflecting accurately and respecting the language and terms that trans and gender diverse communities use for themselves?

? Am I making assumptions about someone’s gender or leading by example by asking what name and pronouns to use??

? Am I obtaining information directly from trans and gender diverse people and communities?

? Have I asked permission to use trans and gender diverse people’s stories and photos/videos, even if they are already in the public domain?

? Have I provided the opportunity for trans and gender diverse people’s feedback on what you have produced?

If you are a communications specialist, a journalist, a content creator or editor or simply a passionate person about inclusive language, find TGEU —?Trans Europe and Central Asia? 's updated Trans Media Guide. This guide provides tips on how to cover stories about trans and gender diverse people ethically and respectfully. It contains references to reliable sources of verified data. There is also a list of contacts for a few relevant activist communities and human rights organizations.