As researchers, instructors, and community members it is important for us to use language around identities responsibly. Please consider the following questions and resources as a guide for intentional language for referring to larger populations.
Start with questions of purpose
- Who are you talking about?
- Why are you talking about them?
- Who are you talking to?
- What are you trying to say?
- Is it even necessary to use identity signifiers?
Follow-up with questions of power
- What is the history behind this word?
- In what context is this word often used?
- Why do you want to use this word?
- What might this word perpetuate?
- What other words might fit and why aren’t you using them?
