Language, the cornerstone of human interaction, has been evolving towards being more inclusive and dignified. Linguistic choices are not merely about grammar; they embody the respect and relational dynamics within a community.
A recent discussion on gender inclusivity and the importance of language, held by AnitaB.org India in collaboration with ON PURPOSE, an integrated communications consultancy, aimed to explore how language shapes our understanding and treatment of gender.
AnitaB.org India is a for-profit organisation that works with women and non-binary technologists to address issues such as pay parity, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Research indicates that words carry inherent biases and connotations that can vary by gender. Terms like ambition, shame, guilt, and confidence often have different implications for different genders, revealing unconscious biases embedded in language and societal perceptions.
“We often overlook that the patriarchy we address in the workplace is equally rampant at home. Workplaces mirror the society in which they exist,” said Shreya Krishnan, Managing Director at AnitaB.org India.
“To effect meaningful change, we must address mental, physical, emotional, and societal structures through comprehensive policies, advocacy, and systemic change,” she added.
Understanding history
Gender today is recognised as a spectrum, encompassing over 26 diverse identities globally, showcasing the increasing acceptance of different lived experiences. Gender identity represents a deeply felt and experienced sense of one’s gender, forming a part of each individual’s overall identity.
“Tamil Nadu is the only State in India that has banned surgeries on intersex infants. Statistics show that one in every 1,000 children is born intersex, but many remain unaware because parents make decisions based on the external genitalia, causing gender dysphoria later”, said Mr. Suresh Ramdas, an LGBTQ spokesperson and the winner of Mr. Gay India 2019.
He pointed out how the AIDS crisis saw lesbians playing a pivotal role in support efforts, leading to the acronym LGBT (originally GLBT) to honour their contributions. Understanding this history and ensuring accurate representation is essential for fostering an inclusive dialogue, he noted.
Accurate usage of terms
While ‘transition’ is a word commonly used to denote the process of discovering and/or affirming one’s identity through processes that may include surgeries, changing names, pronouns, and identification documents, a deeper introspection can show that this usage could be problematic, pointed out the speakers.
“’Transition’ can be a problematic word with the general public as it implies a before-and-after state. But a trans person’s gender identity has always been true; it’s just that they were assigned the wrong gender growing up. I personally prefer the term ‘affirmation’ because it shows how I am becoming the person I have always been,” said Madhvi Chandavarkar, Content Lead at ON PURPOSE.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of representation in media and underscored the need to prioritise authentic storytelling by trans individuals themselves, using accurate and respectful language.
“Affirming gender identity and using language that respects their true identity without implying they were once something else is crucial,” said Ms. Krishnan.
Guidelines
As per the guidelines issued by the Press Council of India for covering news on members of the LGBTQ+ community, preferred terms for transgender individuals include “transgender person,” “trans woman,” or “trans man” rather than outdated terms like “transgenders” or “eunuchs.” The term “gender-affirming surgery” is recommended over “sex-change surgery” to align with respect for individual identity.
Terms such as “homosexual” are generally avoided outside scientific or clinical contexts. Coverage should focus on a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation only when directly relevant to the story. Visual elements accompanying LGBTQIA+ stories are advised to depict the varied and everyday lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals rather than relying on clichéd imagery like pride parades or rainbow flags while ensuring consent and respecting privacy.
Published - June 18, 2024 09:00 am IST
