If you're still with us and feeling inspired by this discussion, the good news is that it’s actually quite easy to adapt your language and be more inclusive!
I think there are three important things to consider when trying to be more inclusive:
1) Make sure you're not encouraging shame
2) Remember it's not just cisgender women who menstruate
3) Being inclusive means considering other people's circumstances
redmoongang.com/2020/07/19/mak…
1) Make sure you're not encouraging shame
2) Remember it's not just cisgender women who menstruate
3) Being inclusive means considering other people's circumstances
redmoongang.com/2020/07/19/mak…
As we've discussed today, it's time for us to evolve beyond shame-fuelled and gender-specific language when talking about periods.
Throughout this entire thread I have used inclusive and shame-free language.
I also wrote an entire book free of gendered language. It's really that easy! redmoongang.com/book/
I also wrote an entire book free of gendered language. It's really that easy! redmoongang.com/book/
Here are some really easy changes you can include in your language moving forward.
Instead of 'sanitary products', say 'menstrual products'
Instead of 'feminine hygiene products', say 'period products'
Instead of 'becoming a woman', say 'starting puberty'
Instead of 'sanitary products', say 'menstrual products'
Instead of 'feminine hygiene products', say 'period products'
Instead of 'becoming a woman', say 'starting puberty'
Instead of 'women's health', say 'reproductive health' or 'gynaecological health' (whatever you prefer)
Instead of 'women and girls', say 'people who menstruate' or 'people who have periods'
Instead of 'women and girls', say 'people who menstruate' or 'people who have periods'
A good way to get into the habit of removing gendered language as the default is to start looking at your everyday speech. Instead of using gender-specific terms to describe professions and people, like 'fireman', opt for gender-neutral term such as 'firefighter' and so on.
Remember it takes practice and it's okay to mess up. Try not to have a knee-jerk reaction when somebody flags this with you. We're all learning as language is evolving!
By using gender-neutral language, we normalise the idea that anyone can menstruate regardless of their gender.
By using shame-free language, we normalise discussion, questions, freedom of choice and action!
By using shame-free language, we normalise discussion, questions, freedom of choice and action!
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