Inclusive Communication Guide – short version
Summary
The Inclusive Communication Guide has been developed by the ACT Government. It aligns with a commitment of the Capital of Equality Strategy (2024-29) to promote the use of inclusive language across the ACT public service (ACTPS).
The short version of the full Inclusive Communication Guide, provides helpful 'use and avoid' examples that you can quickly refer to as follows.
| Avoid gendered phrasing | Use gender inclusive alternative |
|---|---|
| Men and women | People of all genders |
| Wife or husband | Spouse, partner |
| Sister or brother | Sibling |
| Motherhood or fatherhood | Parenthood |
| Fireman or Sportsman | Firefighter or Athlete, sportsperson |
| This service supports pregnant women | This service supports people during pregnancy |
| Feminine hygiene products | Period or menstrual products |
| This program is for women | The purpose of this program is to address gender inequality, sexism, or misogyny |
| Women (without any definitions or saying 'women only') | Women, including cis and trans women as well as non-binary people to whom this is relevant or Women, including non-binary and gender-diverse people with lived experience of misogyny or sexism |
| Men (without any definitions or saying 'men only') | Men, including cis and trans men as well as non-binary people to whom this is relevant or Men, including non-binary and gender-diverse people with experiences related to toxic masculinity |
| LGBTIQA+ community (in singular) | LGBTIQA+ communities (in plural) |
| Ladies and gentlemen | Welcome everyone or Dear colleagues or Dear all |
| Only gendered option, for example, Ms, Mrs or Mr or Sir and/or Madam | Dear (first and last name) or (first name) depending on formality required or Generic form of address such as dear colleague/client/customer/service user or Mx |
| Inclusivity | Inclusion |
| Abortions for women or Prostate examinations for men | [Procedure] for all people with [body part] or [Procedure] for all those who need it |
| Male pattern balding | Hair loss |
| Female/male reproductive organs | Internal reproductive organs |
| Regular/correct/right/normal/typical | Common |
| Preferred pronouns, gender, name | Pronouns, gender, name or Chosen or correct name (if relevant) |
| What gender do you identify with/as? | What is your gender? |
| For all those who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual | For all those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual |
| 78 female service users reported feeling inadequately cared for | 78 service users (or service users who were women) reported feeling inadequately cared for |
| Tolerance or tolerate | Inclusion, belonging, or celebrate |