Words have the power to shape how people are treated. In healthcare, words can mean the difference between seeking care or avoiding it, feeling respected or invisible, being supported or experiencing harm (1).
Many trans and gender diverse people delay or avoid medical visits due to fear of discrimination, which harms both their physical and mental health (2-4). Misgendering has also been linked to feelings of rejection, stigma, and psychological distress (2,5).
Inclusive language matters – it combats stigma, prejudice, and bias while creating spaces where people feel respected and safe (2,6-10).
Examples of inclusive language are all around us. Decades ago, terms like “partner” and “spouse” were introduced to be more inclusive of different relationship structures – now they’re just part of everyday language. The same goes for terms like “firefighter” instead of “fireman” or “flight attendant” instead of “stewardess”. These shifts help ensure that language represents everyone (11,12).
Similarly, person-first language – like saying “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person” – puts the individual first, not their condition (1,6). Gender-inclusive terms like “pregnant people” or “menstruating people” acknowledge that not all women menstruate or give birth, and that some people who don’t identify as women do (13-15).
Inclusive language isn’t just about avoiding “bad” words or being “polite”. It’s about recognizing and respecting people’s experiences and identities (1,7,14,16). It builds trust in healthcare and science, improves well-being, and helps ensure that everyone gets the care and opportunities they deserve (1,2,4,9,15,17,18).
We all have the power to create a more inclusive world – one word at a time.
Resources
American Psychological Association
- The Progression of Inclusive Language that Enhances Belonging | Creative Nursing | December 2024
- Use of gender-inclusive language in genetic counseling to optimize patient care | Journal of Genetic Counseling | February 2024
- Barriers to primary and emergency healthcare for trans adults | Culture, Health & Sexuality | June 2017
- Exploring the relationship between transgender-inclusive providers and mental health outcomes among transgender/gender variant people | Social Work in Health Care | June 2016
- A minority stress perspective on transgender individuals’ experiences with misgendering | APA PsycNet | 2018
- Using Inclusive Language in Nursing Education: When Words Matter | Journal of Nursing Education | April 2024
- Inclusive Language Promotes Equity: The Power of Words | Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health | February 2021
- College Students’ Perceptions of Gender-Inclusive Language Use Predict Attitudes Toward Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Individuals | Journal of Language and Social Psychology | December 2018
- Guidelines for Inclusive Language | Linguistic Society of America
- The Value and Process of Inclusion: Using Sensitive, Respectful, and Inclusive Language and Images in NCCN Content | Official Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network | May 2023
- Gender-inclusive nouns – Writing Tips Plus – Writing Tools – Resources of the Language Portal of Canada | Government of Canada | September 2022
- Inclusionary: A collection of gender-inclusive solutions | Government of Canada | April 2024
- Transgender rights rely on inclusive language | Science | December 2021
- Statement Against Linguistic Misgendering | Linguistic Society of America
- The role of gender affirmation in psychological well-being among transgender women | APA PsycNet | 2016
- Why Inclusive Language Matters | American Psychological Association | September 2022
- Social and Medical Gender Affirmation Experiences Are Inversely Associated with Mental Health Problems in a U.S. Non-Probability Sample of Transgender Adults | Archives of Sexual Behavior | March 2020
- Speaking Out on “Breastfeeding” Terminology: Recommendations for Gender-Inclusive Language in Research and Reporting | Breastfeeding Medicine | October 2019
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We all have the power to create a more inclusive world – one word at a time. Inclusive language helps combat stigma, prejudice, bias, and creates spaces where people feel respected and safe. Read more here 👉 scienceupfirst.com/science-101/… #ScienceUpFirst
— ScienceUpFirst (@scienceupfirst.bsky.social) March 5, 2025 at 9:55 AM
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