June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community and the many contributions its members have made to society. Moreover, it is also a time to reflect on the adversities and struggles the community has had to overcome.  

Every year during the last week of May and first of June, companies around the world begin launching their rainbow-themed Pride campaigns. However, as a gay American and communications professional, these initiatives don’t always feel authentic. This feels especially true when corporations “fly the flag” in June but don’t follow through on that sign of support. The term for this is called rainbow-washing.  

As harmful anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies are on the rise across the country, the authentic use of inclusive language is more important than ever before. In fact, using inclusive language is one of the ways in which companies can prevent rainbow-washing and authentically show they are an ally.  

There are several policies organizations and businesses can implement to encourage the use of inclusive language in the workplace. Perhaps the biggest one is the use of proper pronouns. By encouraging employees to include their pronouns in their email signature, on their company badge and on Zoom, you are signaling that your company is a safe and affirming place for all. This simple policy shift can empower staff, cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and connection for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and improve mental health.  

Another policy change that can be implemented is to include a preferred name section on company forms. This is particularly important as people may not go by their birth name and the use of a name that someone no longer identifies with can be personally harmful.  

The authentic use of inclusive language translates to the public relations and communications profession in a variety of ways: 

  • Whether you are creating a social media campaign or writing a newsletter article, it is important that you use proper pronouns when referring to an individual. Best practice is to always ask how someone identifies when you are writing about them. This can be as simple as, “what are you preferred pronouns?”
  • As a communications professional, always be cognizant of the words you are using and make sure they are as inclusive as possible. We live in a heteronormative society and may not always realize that the language we are using isn’t inclusive.
  • Strategically think about campaigns you can create throughout the year that incorporate LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives. Let’s bring the inclusivity that Pride embodies into the messages we create and share throughout the year.

Happy Pride! 

 

Source: 

https://thisisgendered.org/contribute/#arthur-guillaume-gentil