Here are some of our favourite gender neutral alternatives of everyday gendered language – that you might not even realise you're using.

“Ladies & Gentlemen”, “Dear Sir or Madam” – much of our everyday language reinforces outdated gender binaries. And the use of gendered words or phrases is in many instances almost second nature, especially in professional contexts. 

When greeting groups of people, it’s easy to default to using familiar and ubiquitous greetings such as “Hey guys” or “Ladies and gentlemen”. While you may not think of those greetings as particularly gendered, an LGBTQIA+ person might think and feel differently. 

For instance, something as simple as “Hey guys” may not be an affirming greeting to a trans person.

Similarly, when referring to someone you haven’t met before – like a co-worker’s partner, child, family member or friend – it can be easy to assume that person’s gender using context like names, hobbies, appearance, or other information.

It’s important to remember that gendered language can invalidate a person’s LGBTQIA+ identity. For instance, by assuming a female colleague has a male partner.

Rather than focusing on the negative impact of gendered language, let's note the positives of gender neutral language. Replacing gendered language with gender neutral alternatives can help to foster a supportive, LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment. And it can be incredibly positive to the overall wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ colleagues, clients, students, and friends. 

Here are some of our favourite gender neutral alternatives for gendered words or phrases.

Greetings

Instead of: Hey guys!
Try: Hey everyone, hey team, hey friends, hey pals.

Instead of: Ladies & Gentlemen
Try: Distinguished Guests 

Instead of: Dear Sir or Madam**
Try:** To whom it may concern

In Conversation

Here are some of our favourite gender neutral alternatives for everyday use, particularly when referring to other people.

Instead of: Husband / Wife 
Try: Partner or Spouse

Instead of: Son / Daughter 
Try: Child 

Instead of: Brother / Sister 
Try: Sibling 

Instead of: Men / Women 
Try: People / Person 

Instead of: Postman 
Try: Postie 

Instead of: Fireman 
Try: Firefighter 

Instead of: Niece / Nephew 
Try: Nibling

Our Main Advice regarding Gender Inclusive Language

Practice! It’s okay if you don’t get it straight away, or if you make mistakes. What makes a difference is your continued efforts.

Ready to learn more? Book LGBTQIA+ Professional Training Now