Dear reader, or better yet: Dear writers.
I have worked in a variety of places that acknowledge and support people who are dominant-culture-adjacent, and talked about these spaces, I have heard a common refrain:
“I can’t keep up! The language always changes."
As those who push pixels and ink, we have an obligation to be curious about the worlds around us. These worlds owe us no obligation in return. When language changes, as it does constantly, we should be there with it at every turn, learning what the speakers prefer we use. That inclusive language practice makes us better writers and better people, too. Who wouldn’t want that?
I hear you, Those Who Hang onto What You Have Always Known. Has anyone ever heard me say “fulsome does not mean what you think it means?” Cry as I might about how wrong it is, people use it incorrectly and I wipe the corners of my eye over the misstep.
One extended group of long-suffering folks who use language in ways that defy conventional rules is the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We can be grateful for the bushel of authors, activists, and others who will help those of peering into a world that some of us do not know. They are giving us guides on pronoun use. Guides! Need a pronoun roadmap to navigate your visit? Yes, please!
Understanding each other the way we want to be understood is a gift that gives and gives. In the spirit of becoming better writers and better people during Pride Month and always, Dear Writers, I have added a few resources we can all use.
Or, if you would like help for your organization on this or other communications support, connect with me.
* Egale: Pronoun Usage Guide. Egale also includes a short, sweet guide on how to practise being an ally.
* LGBTQ Nation: Why Some People Use She/They & He/They Pronouns
* Lighthouse: A Clear Guide to Understanding Gender Identity and Pronouns