Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
When inclusive language leaves us at a loss for words
As the list of inclusive words, acronyms and descriptors grows, it takes the right knowledge, mindset and effort to make sure no one gets left behind.
I don't know what to say!
Current inclusive language development is leaving many of us trying to find the right words as we stumble over new grammatical syntaxes.
BIPOC, POC, Latinx, Latine, AAPI, LGBTQQIP2SAA, cisgender, gender non-binary pronouns, DEIA, choose-not-to-identify… and so goes the growing list of words, acronyms and descriptors intended to be inclusive and not leave anyone behind.
The intent behind the growing lexicon is praiseworthy as an increasing number of people feel they are seen when language shifts to acknowledge their uniqueness. To truly accomplish this requires a new inclusive vocabulary beyond traditional acronyms and terms.
But surprisingly, as part of this overall shift, the more we seek to not leave anyone out, the more we may be creating new ways that do just that. To resolve these paradoxes we must do a deeper dive into what these emerging inclusive terms are, grasping where they may be unintentionally exclusionary, and understanding the day-to-day implications. Once we do that, we can find ways to resolve the current challenges.
Let's take that dive.
Download the paper to learn:
- The new inclusive language terms and usages, how they came about, and snags they have hit
- Principles for using inclusive language terminology to address structural and behavioral inclusion
- Tactics for implementing this terminology, both for personal and organizational DE&I data use
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