'Language is inclusive when we use words in ways that demonstrate our respect for how people describe their own genders, bodies and relationships. It is important to show this respect even when we are describing people who are not present.' (Ansara 2013) Discriminatory language excludes or stereotypes LGBTIQ+ individuals and can cause unintentional harm. Respectful, inclusive language mitigates actual or feared prejudice, whereas thoughtless or disrespectful language intensifies it. For more information and examples, see How to use inclusive language (State Government of Victoria 2018). Clearly explain what constitutes discriminatory or abusive language: Include a statement in your unit guide on what constitutes discriminatory or abusive language, and that it won’t be tolerated. Discuss with your students. Refrain from using discriminatory language, and challenge its use by students and staff. Don’t assume the sexual or gender identity of your students. Avoid and challenge heteronormativity by identifying 'heteronormative' and 'cisnormative' language and practices and what these concepts mean within the context of your unit content and learning outcomes. Encourage students to explore their meanings and provide examples. Discuss preferred forms of address, names and pronouns with your students, and explain why it is good practice.  Share your own pronouns to open up discussion as a safe space. Invite students to share how they wish to be addressed, but make clear that pronoun sharing is optional and not mandatory.  Some students may be uncomfortable self-disclosing, particularly in group settings, especially if they are in the process of transitioning or questioning their own gender. For a considered discussion on this issue read this short essay by Oliver Haimson and Lee Airton (2019). Understand the meaning and implication of binary and non-binary terms and identities. Gender diversity includes those who do not identify with either masculine or feminine terms. In recent years, gender neutral terms are becoming more common in everyday discourse. The gender neutral term for Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms is Mx. Pronouns they, them and their are now grammatically acceptable to use in singular form. Other non-binary pronouns include ze or zie (pronounced zee) instead of 'she/he' and hir (pronounced like the word 'here') instead of 'her/his'. Refer to the Deakin University Gender Transition Guide (PDF 1.16MB) for more information.   Defining sex, gender and sexuality LGBTIQ+ language is constantly evolving and expanding in ways that reflect how the identity categories of sex, gender and sexuality are interrelated and fluid i.e. cannot be simply constrained to binary categories such as male/female, masculine/feminine, gay/lesbian or straight/gay. Such categories are underpinned by dualistic models that position forms of sex and gender as being either/or i.e. mutually exclusive. This excludes those who sit outside such categorisation. Given the number of LGBTIQ+ students and staff and the significant disadvantages they may face, it is important for all staff to familiarise themselves with and gain understanding of these terms and the nuances of meaning. Let's look at what we mean by the terms 'sex', 'gender' and 'sexuality'.  Sex and gender Sex refers to biological sex characteristics—hormones, chromosomes, gonads, external anatomy etc. - which are used to determine gender (boy or girl) at birth. Typically, sex difference is classified in binary terms as either male or female according to genitalia. However, this fails to capture numerous intersex conditions in which individuals are born with biological traits that are: neither male nor female, both male and female at once, somewhere between male and female, or something that escapes current ways of describing human sexual difference. Gender denotes the social categories and/or internal sense of being man/woman, boy/girl, masculine/feminine (which exist on a continuum rather than being mutually exclusive) and other gender-diverse or gender non-conformist ways of being. Gender expression is perceived externally through physical presentation such as hair, clothing, mannerisms, behaviour etc. Sex and gender alignment: A person's sense of their gender may or may not align with their biological sex characteristics. Sex and gender identities with which you should become familiar include: intersex, transgender, MTF (male-to-female), FTM (female-to-male), non-binary, fluid, genderqueer, gender diverse, androgynous, cisgender (Refer to the Glossary section).   Sexuality Sexuality is broadly considered in terms of: Identity: how a person conceives of their sexuality and what terms they use to denote it. Orientation: emotional, romantic and/or physical attractions to those of another sex/gender, the same sex/gender or all sexes/genders. Behaviour: specific sexual activities or ways of being. Importantly, identity, orientation and behaviour may or may not align with each other. For example, a person may experience same-sex attraction but identify as straight. 'Sexual preference' is a pejorative term and no longer used as it suggests that sexuality is a choice of lifestyle or behaviour that can be changed, 'cured' or converted. Familiarise yourself with the lexicon of sexual identities, orientations and practices, which includes many terms such as: lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, queer, pansexual, MSM (men who have sex with men), WSW (women who have sex with women), polyamory (Refer to the Glossary section).   Gender pronoun usage Please note these are not the only pronouns as new ones continually emerge in our language. Always ask someone for their pronouns.She/hers/her/herselfShe is speakingThe backpack is hersI listened to herHe/his/him/himselfHe is speakingThe backpack is hisI listened to himThey/them/their/themselfThey are speakingThe backpack is theirsI listened to themZe (or Zie)/Hir or Zir/Hirs or Zirs/Hirself or ZirselfZe is speakingThe backpack is zirsI listened to zir(Trans Medical Research 2018)