Department of Interior Releases Inclusive Language Guide, Advises against using gendered terms like ‘husband,’ ‘daughter,’ and ‘cockpit’
The Department of the Interior has published a guide instructing bureaucrats on using ”inclusive language,” advising them to avoid gender-specific terms like “husband,” “son,” and “daughter,” and to use “they/them” pronouns instead of assuming an individual’s gender.
The 24-page document, titled the “US Department of the Interior Inclusive Language Guide,” was first obtained by the Daily Wire. Published during Pride Month for “official use only,” it details the terms bureaucrats should and shouldn’t use when discussing gender and sexuality.
The guide lists over 100 terms recommended for replacement with gender-neutral alternatives. For example, “husband” and “wife” should be replaced with “spouse,” “partner,” or “significant other,” and “daughter” and “son” with “child” or “kid.” Even the term “cockpit” is advised to be changed to “flight deck.”
A section of the guide educates bureaucrats about “identity-first” language, suggesting terms like “blind person” and “autistic person” be replaced with “a person who is blind” or “a person with autism.”
The guide goes on to state that when a person’s pronouns are not known, an individual should be referred to as a singular “they” to avoid making assumptions about their gender.
“When referring to individuals whose identified pronouns are not known or when the gender of a generic or hypothetical person is irrelevant within the context, use their name or a singular ‘they’ to avoid making assumptions about an individual’s gender,” the document states. “It is recommended to use ‘they,’ ‘them,’ ‘their,’ for example. In informal writing, such as emails, plural pronouns may be used as a shortcut to ensure gender inclusiveness.”
The guide even advises against using the term “preferred pronoun,” as it implies gender identity is a choice.
“Pronoun use requires specificity and care on the user’s part, and staff should always use the person’s identified pronouns,” the document adds. “Staff should refrain from the term ‘preferred pronouns’ because it implies a choice about one’s gender. Use ‘pronouns’ or ‘identified pronouns’ instead.”
The revelation of this guide comes as the Biden administration has continued to face criticism for the amount of “gender inclusive” initiatives that have been implemented in agencies across the federal government.
