crisis pregnancy center
A crisis pregnancy center (CPC) is an organization that advertises as a family planning center but is focused on anti-abortion efforts. Because these facilities have purposes different from centers that focus on reproductive issues and family planning without the intent to dissuade certain kinds of medical care (though they may advertise themselves similarly), the term “crisis pregnancy center” is not interchangeable with “reproductive health center” (a facility like Planned Parenthood or Whole Woman’s Health). Giving a brief explanation on first reference is helpful.
deadname
The term deadname refers to the birth name of a trans or nonbinary person who changed their name after they came out. Using someone’s deadname (deadnaming them) is inaccurate and invalidates who they are. Using language like “Before she became a woman” suggests that a person changed their gender versus coming out as the gender they always were. Phrasing like “Before [he, she, they, etc.] came out” is more accurate. In general, unnecessary focus on someone’s gender identity, transition, or deadname can have a fetishizing or dehumanizing effect.
Defense of Marriage Act
The Defense of Marriage Act (also known as DOMA) was a law passed in 1996 that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman, effectively outlawing same-sex marriages. The law’s definition of marriage was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013, granting marriage rights to same-sex couples nationwide. The name of the law may be misleading to readers without further explanation of its policy, intent, and impact on LGBTQ+ couples and families.
feminism / feminist
Feminism is an umbrella term referring to various social, political, and economic movements for gender equality. It’s rooted in the fundamental belief that all genders are/should be equal. In discussions of feminism, it’s important to note the ways that factors including race, socioeconomic status, and immigration status can also affect positioning within existing power structures.
fluid / fluidity
“Fluid” is a term used generally to describe one’s sexual, romantic, and/or gender identity, with the understanding that it exists on a spectrum, isn’t permanent, and may shift over time. The term can be used to describe sexual or romantic attraction to multiple genders, as well as attractions that shift over time. Since the term doesn’t always point to a specific identity, specifying which orientation(s) or identity (or identities) are being discussed can be helpful for clarity.
gender
Gender is a set of characteristics, behaviors, and social norms used to group people into social categories. Gender has historically been defined along binary lines (called the gender binary) but is now understood by many to exist along a spectrum and to be fluid, rather than being a fixed binary characteristic, and to not be inherently attached to “biological sex.” As with any such identifier, if necessary and relevant to include, taking into account how someone self-identifies ensures coverage accurately reflects their identity and lived experience.
gender-based violence
Gender-based violence refers to violence perpetrated against an individual because of their gender or gender expression. It primarily affects cis and trans women and girls but also impacts all marginalized genders. While “gender-based violence” can be used as an umbrella term, being as specific as possible about the type or acts of violence being discussed (without sensationalizing or including unnecessarily graphic detail) provides clarity to audiences.
gendered language
While still common, gendered language can result in assumptions, stereotypes, and prescriptions around gender, including reinforcing the idea of a gender binary. Using gender-neutral terms whenever possible ensures language choice encompasses the whole population it could refer to (e.g., “server” instead of “waitress,” “parental leave” instead of “maternity leave”). Similarly, when referring to a person whose gender is unknown or unconfirmed, using the singular “they” rather than “he or she” avoids assuming someone’s gender or reinforcing a gender binary. Using gendered language when not relevant to a story can reinforce assumptions about gender or gender roles.
hate crime
A hate crime as defined by the Justice Department is “a crime motivated by bias against [perceived or actual] race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.” Since the legal standard for a hate crime is narrow and may be difficult to determine, especially in a breaking news situation, adding hedging language such as “possible” or “alleged” may be necessary until further information is available.
heteronormativity
Heteronormativity is the belief that heterosexuality is the default or “normal” sexual orientation, which in turn implies that any other sexual orientation is abnormal or unnatural. It also assumes that binary genders are the norm and that anything else is an aberration. To avoid perpetuating heteronormativity, it’s helpful to apply identifiers equally across all sources; for instance, if identifying someone as queer (when relevant), also identify someone as straight (when relevant).
Last updated 08/05/22
Gender and sexuality are deeply felt and highly individual parts of everyone’s identity. Understanding of gender and sexuality has evolved over time, and with that evolution comes changing terminology.
This section of the Language, Please style guidance aims to explore and explain this evolution and the myriad ways people can describe their experiences and identifications in these spaces.
This resource was informed by questions and discussions from our own newsrooms. It is a living document that will update and expand over time. It is not meant to be comprehensive or the definitive arbiter of language “rules” but instead aims to give context and inform thoughtful decision-making. Have a suggestion for an update, change, or addition? Please get in touch.
How to use: Browse the whole section or search for the term you need guidance on; click into any term for in-depth context, additional resources, and related terms.
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