Writing Reviews with Gender-Neutral Language: A Beginner’s Guide
When writing reviews, it is useful to future-proof work, and of course, use the correct pronouns. In some cases, the pronouns of performers are not provided and so it is useful to have a gender-neutral language guide to avoid making assumptions or reinforcing stereotypes.
Using traditional pronouns and roles can also exclude certain individuals from the conversation, making them feel unseen and unrepresented. Here’s a guide on how to write reviews with gender-neutral language that are more inclusive and respectful.
Neutral Pronouns and Roles
Using gender-neutral pronouns and roles is an important step towards gender inclusivity in writing. These are particularly useful in situations where the writer is unsure of the performer or character’s gender.
Some commonly used neutral pronouns and roles include they/them/their/you/yourself, child, teenager, adult, elder, person, figure, individual, character, human, being, and one.
Neutral Job Titles
Many job titles were traditionally gendered, but times are changing. Here are some job titles and their alternatives for consideration:
- actor/actress can become performer
- policeman can become police officer
- fireman can become firefighter
- chairman can become chairperson
- waitress can become server
- mailman can become postal worker
- callgirl can become sex worker
Neutral Character Traits
When describing characters, regardless of pronouns, it is valuable to understand the neutral terms for character traits, rather than the traditional binary of “masculine” or “feminine”. Some neutral character traits include strong, independent, powerful, empowered, dominant, protecting, competitive, assertive, self-centred, goal-oriented, muscular, fit, parental, pretty, eccentric, sexual, persuasive, lush, fabulous, flirtatious, curvaceous, slender, compassionate, nurturing, parental, and intuitive.
Neutral Relationships
When discussing the relationships between characters, it is easy to swap in gender-neutral terms.
Some neutral relationship terms include parent, sibling, relative, grandparent, partner, and love interest. Using these neutral terms can help you to avoid making assumptions about the gender of the characters involved.
- mother/father can become parent
- brother/sister can become sibling
- aunt/uncle/niece/nephew can become relative
- grandmother/grandfather can become grandparent
- husband/wife can become partner
- boyfriend/girlfriend can become love interest
Neutral Theatrical Roles
Theatrical roles naturally lend themselves to neutrality. Instead of using actor/actress, use performer; instead of wardrobe mistress, use costume designer/creator. Here are some more examples of neutral theatrical roles:
Character, role, lead, support, antagonist/protagonist, hero/villain, prominent/background, comedian, dancer, performer, vocalist, acrobat, presenter, narrator, host, ensemble, ensemble member, company, the whole cast, creatives, crew, crew member, designer, builder, coordinator, manager, and assistant.
Neutral Pattern Tips
Here are some additional tips for writing reviews with gender-neutral language:
- Neutralise language using the above information
- Alternating surname with their full name
- Using “the” or “a” sentences where appropriate
- Replace any “His/Her” with their surname
Writing reviews with gender-neutral language is useful for promoting inclusivity and avoiding biases when unsure of a person’s gender. In the first instance, it is always better to know the pronouns of the person being discussed. By using neutral pronouns and roles, job titles, character traits, relationships, theatrical roles, and pattern tips, you can write reviews that are inclusive, and respectful, and promote diversity.
Check out the guidelines created by the UN for further information.
