Understanding Latinx, Folx, and Womxn: A beginner’s guide to inclusive language
Introduction
Language is the key to communication, and inclusive language is all about respecting and acknowledging people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Inclusive language aims to avoid marginalizing, stereotyping, or distancing individuals or groups based on their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
In recent years, the language we use has been evolving to keep up with changing social and cultural norms. Terms and expressions that were once acceptable or even embraced by some communities have become outdated or offensive, while new words and phrases have emerged to help us better understand and acknowledge diverse identities and expressions.
In this article, we’ll explore three such terms that are gaining popularity in the LGBTQ community and beyond: Latinx, Folx, and Womxn. We’ll look at what they mean, their origin, and how they fit into the broader movement towards inclusive language.
What is Latinx?
Latinx is a gender-neutral term used to describe people of Latin American descent or origin. Its purpose is to be more inclusive and respectful of gender identities outside of the traditional male/female binary. It’s worth noting that not everyone in the Latinx community uses this term or identifies as such, and some people may prefer other terms like Latino or Latina.
The “x” at the end of Latinx replaces the “o” or “a” typically used in Spanish and other Romance languages to indicate gender. The purpose of this shift is to remove gender-based assumptions and exclusions. For example, saying “Latinx community” includes people of all genders, whereas saying “Latino community” only includes people who identify as male.
Although the use of Latinx is not without its critics and challenges, many people in the Latinx community and beyond have found it to be a useful way to highlight and respect diversity and inclusion.
What is Folx?
Folx is a gender-neutral alternative to the more commonly used “folks” or “folksy.” Like Latinx, it aims to be more inclusive of gender identities outside of the male/female binary.
The “x” at the end of Folx is similar to the one used in Latinx, and it serves the same purpose of creating a more inclusive and respectful term. Although it’s not a widely established phrase, it’s gaining traction in progressive and queer communities as a way to acknowledge and respect diverse gender identities.
What is Womxn?
Womxn is a gender-neutral term used to describe women or female-identifying people. It’s similar to the term women, but with the “x” replacing the “e” to be more inclusive of non-binary and genderqueer people.
The use of Womxn is intended to challenge the norms and limitations associated with the traditional gender binary, which often excludes and marginalizes people whose identities fall outside of it. In addition, Womxn is seen as a way to highlight the experiences and perspectives of women who face multiple forms of oppression, including sexism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
Why Inclusive Language Matters
Using inclusive language is an essential component of creating safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals. It recognizes and acknowledges diversity and differences in gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and other aspects of identity.
Inclusive language is also an expression of respect, dignity, and humanity. It shows that we value and appreciate all individuals and that we want to create a world that is inclusive and equitable for everyone.
Moreover, inclusive language has real-world impacts on individuals and communities. It can help to reduce discrimination, stereotyping, and marginalization and increase the level of acceptance and belonging. Conversely, insensitive or exclusive language can lead to isolation, exclusion, and harm.
FAQs
Q: Why do we need to use gender-neutral language?
Gender-neutral language is necessary because not everyone identifies as male or female. Gender is a spectrum, and there are a variety of gender identities beyond the male/female binary. Using gender-neutral language is a way to respect and acknowledge people whose gender identity may be different from what we typically assume or expect.
Q: Who decides what language is inclusive or not?
Inclusive language is not set in stone, and it’s always evolving to reflect changing social and cultural norms. However, marginalized communities have been at the forefront of advocating for more inclusive language, and their voices and experiences should be central to any discussions about inclusive language.
Q: Is it okay to use older terms like “his and hers” or “men and women?”
It’s always best to ask individuals how they prefer to be addressed and referred to. Also, keep in mind that using exclusive language can alienate and harm individuals who don’t identify with a particular gender, sex, or other identity.
Q: What can I do to become more inclusive in my language use?
Here are some tips for using inclusive language:
- Avoid assumptions based on gender, sex, or other identity markers
- Use gender-neutral pronouns like they/them when referring to someone whose gender you don’t know or are unsure of
- Avoid using language that reinforces stereotypes or marginalizes certain groups
- Listen to and respect the preferences of individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities
- Be open to learning and using new terminology that reflects changing social and cultural norms
Conclusion
Inclusive language is about recognizing and acknowledging diversity and differences in gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, and other aspects of identity. Latinx, Folx, and Womxn are three terms gaining popularity in the LGBTQ community and beyond that exemplify this movement towards inclusive language. By using inclusive language, we create safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals and help to reduce discrimination, stereotyping, and marginalization.
Remember, using inclusive language is a way to show respect, dignity, and humanity for all individuals, creating a better world for everyone.
