Gender-Neutral Language

In general, use terms that can apply to any gender. Such language aims to treat people equally and is inclusive of people whose gender identity is not strictly male or female.

Balance these aims with common sense, respect for the language, and an understanding that gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language is evolving and in some cases is challenging to achieve.

Consider any word or term that has the effect of emphasizing one gender over another. Is there another word that could be substituted? For example: Police officer instead of policeman. Door attendant instead of doorman.

A true gender-neutral noun often presents itself easily: chair or chairperson, firefighter, workforce. In other cases, a noun may technically not be gender-neutral but instead be a masculine noun that assumes the generic case under English language convention: actor, host.

In general, use terms such as chair or chairperson, councilperson or council member, and spokesperson.

Mother/father, son/daughter, sister/brother, husband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend and other relationship terms are generally acceptable. But parent, child, sibling, spouse are preferred.

While some -person constructions, such as chairperson and spokesperson, are commonly used, avoid tortured or unfamiliar constructions such as snowperson, baseperson or freshperson. Similarly, don’t use siblinghood in place of brotherhood or sisterhood.

The terms U.S. representative, representative, member of Congress are preferred. Congressman and congresswoman are acceptable because of their common use. Do not use congressperson.

Sports terms such as man-to-man defense and third baseman are acceptable for both men’s and women’s events, though often rephrasing is better: She plays third base. Royal titles such as princess, duchess and lady are standard. Also acceptable: goddess in religious or mythology references.

Unless city leaders (not city fathers) decide otherwise, Philadelphia remains the City of Brotherly Love. History recognizes the seven Founding Fathers of the United States. Frosty the Snowman is the character’s name, though Frosty can work as shorthand.

This list is not all-inclusive; it can serve as a framework by which to consider other words. Multiple terms are not necessarily interchangeable. Choose what is appropriate and accurate in the context.