ALT Pastel galaxy background. 1/4. Text reads: 'Avoiding unnecessarily gendered language. Most of us - trans and cis alike - can think of times we've experienced gendered language that rubbed us the wrong way. Being referred to as "ladies", "ma'am" or "sir" can often feel uncomfortable, unnecessary or even dysphoric.'

ALT Pastel galaxy background. 2/4. Text reads: 'Avoiding unnecessarily gendered language. Swapping out gendered language is not only more trans inclusive, it can help us rethink gender and rid ourselves of the assumption that the default is always male. A lot of "gender neutral" words - mankind, guys - take men as the baseline.'

ALT Pastel galaxy background. 3/4. Text reads: 'Avoiding unnecessarily gendered language. Ask yourself: do I need to be using gendered language at all? Saying everyone, folks or you all works better than ladies and gentleman. Similarly, pregnant people is more inclusive and foregrounds people's humanity.

ALT Pastel galaxy background. 4/4. Text reads: 'Avoiding unnecessarily gendered language. Sometimes there won't be an ideal alternative! But exploring more gender inclusive options benefits us all and hopefully helps move us to a more gender diverse and beautiful future.'