The Use of Gender-Inclusive Language: Why It Matters

 

The Use of Gender-Inclusive Language: Why It Matters

The use of phrases like "pregnant people" or "penis owners" has sparked controversy, with some arguing that only women can get pregnant or only men have penises. However, experts explain that gender-neutral language is essential to acknowledge that sex and gender identity don't always align.

Dr. Jack Drescher, a psychiatrist and past president of the Group for Advancement of Psychiatry, notes that sex and gender are on a spectrum, and using gender-inclusive language creates an environment of acceptance. Keygan Miller, director of public training at The Trevor Project, adds that this language helps recognize intersex people and gender-diverse individuals who may have certain anatomy or biological abilities.

The distinction between sex and gender is crucial. Sex is assigned at birth based on biological characteristics, while gender is a social construct and social identity. The American Psychological Association defines gender identity as a person's psychological sense of their gender, which may or may not align with their sex.

Using gender-inclusive language, like "pregnant people," acknowledges that trans men can get pregnant, and intersex people may have reproductive anatomy that doesn't fit into a male-female binary. In healthcare, using gender-neutral terms is not just polite but medically accurate, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care.

Some argue that gender-inclusive language erases women, but experts counter that parallel euphemisms exist for those assigned male at birth. The goal is to include people who haven't been included before, not to diminish the importance of issues facing certain groups.

Gender-inclusive language may seem like just words, but it can be lifesaving for transgender and nonbinary people, promoting acceptance and recognition. As Dr. Dennis Baron, professor emeritus of English and linguistics, notes, "Verbalizing is an act of important recognition that then gives people a sense that, 'Yeah, I'm here, and I can talk about this.'"