As we begin our journey into the mind, I would like to share with you definitions of frequently used words and concepts so that we can have a common language.
I will update this list as needed.
Implicit bias - the unconscious ways we think about the world around us. Our perspectives of the world begin to form in childhood and can often be very inaccurate, based on stereotypes and bad information. We all have implicit bias and we cannot magically get rid of it. However, with intention and deliberation, we can slow down our processes so we can make informed, compassionate decisions. If you want to learn more about how implicit bias operates in your life, I recommend Project Implicit (Harvard University) for education and a remarkable test that allows you to uncover your implicit biases.
Inclusive - behaviors, language choices, activities, programs that are accessible to as many people as possible. For example, providing alternate text for images on a website allows people with visual impairments to still engage with the image by reading a helpful description. Another example is talking about caregivers instead of parents to honor the lives of children who were raised by people outside of their direct biology. A final example is all gender bathrooms so that people who are gender non-conforming can safely use the restroom.
Gender binary - a prescribed, rigid, and oppressive means to reduce people to two categories: woman and man. Gender exists on a continuum of expression. Check out the Gender Unicorn to differentiate between gender, sex, and attraction. Sometimes, I do use the gender binary. Most of the time, I don't. I will use the pronouns they/them/their mostly (see Pronouns below for more info). I may write "people who have a uterus" or "people who have a penis" to be inclusive of the rainbow of physiology and to move away from the gender binary.
Pronouns - People use pronouns to described themselves. Using gendered pronouns to describe someone is based on our implicit bias of what "she" looks like. Instead, you can use the neutral "they/them/their" until you know for sure, or you can simply ask. I was at a conference recently that provided pronouns on our badges. I've been to conventions that give out stickers with pronouns. For some, it can be tough to change language. Keep working on it, apologize and correct if needed, and honor the humanity in others. For more information, check out this helpful website.