Language Etiquette
The words we choose to use have a huge impact on the story we are telling. Word choice can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and strengthen outdated attitudes, or it can convey respect for individuals and encourage progressive thinking. By following the below guidelines, you will demonstrate a commitment to respecting the diversity of all individuals.
The ERC promotes using the following language and terminology:
When discussing the immigrant community
Use
|
Don't Use
|
|
Documented
Undocumented
Immigrant
The limited English proficiency (LEP) community
A person with limited English proficiency
|
Legal
Illegal
Alien
|
When discussing the disability community
Always use Person First Language
- A person with epilepsy
- He is a person with an intellectual disability
- “Mary is a person with autism.”
Use
|
Don't Use
|
|
The disability community
Blind, or visual disability
Deaf, or hard of hearing
Intellectual disability
Mental health disability
Non visible disability
Person who uses a wheelchair
Person with a disability
Someone of short stature
Service animal
|
Crazy
Cripple
Dwarf or midget
Handicap
Physically challenged
Retard, or retarded
Suffers from (an illness or disability)
The disabled
Wheelchair-bound
Birth defect
Victim |
When discussing the LGBT community
Use
|
Don't Use
|
LGBT
Gay
Lesbian
Bisexual
Transgender
- Always refer to the person in the gender he/she currently identies as.
Straight
Gender Identity
Sexual Orientation
Partner/ Husband/ Wife
Family
Marriage Equality
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Domestic Partner
|
Transvestite
Transsexual
Cross-dresser
Queer
Drag
Dyke
Tranny
Gay Family
Homo
Lifestyle
Sexual Preference
Gay Marriage
Special Rights
Openly gay
- Only use where individual’s orientation is germane; “Harvery Milk was the first openly gay…”
Same-sex marriage |
When discussing domestic violence
Use gender neutral terms, or include both genders.
Use
|
Don't Use
|
|
Survivor
Survivor of domestic violence
|
Victim
Avoid words with violent meanings:
- “I’ll take a stab at it.”
- "He's taking a shot at it"
|
|
