{"id":2372,"date":"2022-03-21T08:00:36","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T12:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itgetsbettercanada.org\/?p=2372"},"modified":"2024-07-08T16:04:59","modified_gmt":"2024-07-08T20:04:59","slug":"inclusive-language-how-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itgetsbettercanada.org\/fr\/2022\/03\/21\/inclusive-language-how-to\/","title":{"rendered":"Langage inclusif : Comment l\u2019utiliser et pourquoi c\u2019est important"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Inclusive Language: How to Use It & Why It Matters<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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The language we use on a day-to-day basis <\/span>matters<\/span><\/i>. You\u2019ve likely noticed these changes happening in the world. Stores changing their verbiage on signs from \u2018feminine hygiene products\u2019 to \u2018period care\u2019, more gender-neutral washrooms popping up, and pronouns being listed on employees\u2019 nametags in stores. These are all positive changes we can see happening to create more safe and inclusive spaces!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tSo\u2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\twhat is inclusive language<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t and why do we need it?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Inclusive language uses terms that are neutral to include everyone and eliminates gendered\/exclusionary words. It\u2019s a way of speaking to ensure that all people are respected, included, and seen. This takes into consideration people of all genders, sexuality, disabilities, ages, and culture. <\/span><\/p>

Some examples of inclusive language changes you can implement into your vocabulary are:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Instead of…<\/h4>

Feminine Hygiene Products<\/span><\/p>

\u2018Women\u2019 Re: Periods<\/span><\/p>

Breastfeeding<\/span><\/p>

Maternity\/Paternity Leave<\/span><\/p>

Pregnant Women<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Use this!<\/h4>

Period Products<\/span><\/p>

People With Periods<\/span><\/p>

Nursing\/Chestfeeding<\/span><\/p>

Parental Leave<\/span><\/p>

Pregnant People<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Another important inclusive language change to make is asking people \u2018what are your pronouns\u2019 and <\/span>not <\/b>\u2018what are your preferred pronouns\u2019? It\u2019s vital to understand that pronouns are not preferred, they are <\/span>mandatory<\/span><\/i>. If you\u2019re ever in the spot of not knowing what somebodies\u2019 pronouns are and you don\u2019t have an opportunity to ask, it is inclusive to use singular \u2018they\u2019 until you do know, as to not make any assumptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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As a non-binary period educator, I noticed a lot of exclusionary language used in the menstrual industry when I first started in 2016. Luckily with the voices of queer educators, the period world has made leaps and bounds in changing to be a more inclusive world. Many companies and shops simply lacked the education to understand that some nonbinary folks, some trans folks, some genderfluid folks, and some 2Spirit folks may have periods too! On that same note, many women do not have periods such as some transgender women, women who have had hysterectomies, women with conditions like endometriosis\/PCOS, women who have reached menopause, and women who stop their cycles with birth control. It is important that we keep affirming the concept that gender and bodily functions are not synonymous, and to continue separating them. A person is so much more than what parts they have in\/on their body. By actively supporting brands\/shops that promote inclusive language and packaging we can show the world that those values are important to the consumer!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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from getjoni.com<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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However, it\u2019s not just the period industry that\u2019s working on inclusive language, we\u2019ve seen it happening for years. Through the last few decades, we\u2019ve seen shifts in many workplaces urging for inclusive language. For example: \u2018firefighter\u2019 instead of \u2018fireman\u2019 and \u2018postal person\u2019 instead of \u2018post man\u2019. These language choices are important as they demand respect and equality for all genders in the workplace. Many workplaces are also beginning to integrate gender neutral restrooms and ensure that period products are available to all people in the workplace (not just in a women\u2019s washroom).<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tThe big takeaway here is that inclusive language doesn\u2019t set out to erase anybody, it aims to ensure that<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\teverybody<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tis seen & included.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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As many queer people know, there are often instances we brace for impact to be mis-gendered, triggered in gender dysphoria, or excluded while out in public. These are things that cis-gender folks don\u2019t even have to think twice about. Making these seemingly small changes in daily language can make a big impact! Since we can\u2019t assume somebodies\u2019 gender\/sexuality\/ability based on their physical outward appearance, using inclusive language can make people feel safe around you.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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About the Author<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"medium\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Vic Alexander<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Vic Alexander (they\/she) is a Reproductive Health Educator, Period Coach, Writer and Creator of Feminist Goods, and the human behind The Elephant in the Womb! You can often find them on the internet talking about gender & periods, writing educational blog pieces for brands, and creating feminist jewelry & sweaters in their shops.<\/p>

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Click here to visit The Elephant in the Womb!<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Share:<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFacebook\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTwitter\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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GET UPDATES and stay connected with our stories - subscribe to our newsletter.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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