Just like the art of quilting, language and how we use it is never static and while old school grammarians might chafe, language is a living thing and if the quilting and sewing industry wants to move forward with the times we need to make sure that our language moves as well. From shops to shows the industry is guilty of a strong bias to referring to quilters as only female and making the erroneous assumption that they are all white, married, middle class with 2.5 children and a labradoodle when in fact quilters are wildly diverse and most assuredly do NOT feel welcome when the red carpet is only rolled out for one certain customer.
Yes, this is ” P.C., yes dare I even say it is even “woke”, since what is wrong with being respectful and inclusive of all people just doing their best to live a good life and possibly make some quilts along the way? Using gender inclusive language in NO WAY leaves anyone out. What is does not is not let just one way of being act as the star of the show.
These changes can be a bit awkward at first and you will slip up on occasion and you will then do your best to fix it but over time language changes become as simple as a 4-patch and go a way bit further in creating a welcoming atmosphere in your shop, guild or quilting event than not trying at all.
Need a Quick Lesson?
So this seems like a good place to stop for a moment and ask if you feel comfortable using gender inclusive language or if you perhaps feel a little shaky on the finer points. If you don’t quite have a grip on it all this is a great article to get you up to speed! Guide To Using Gender Inclusive Language in the Workplace
Where to start?
- Check the language in your emails, social posts and store signage, does it make EVERYONE feel welcome?
- Check the images you use in advertising and meme’s – are the inclusive or do they just support dated tropes of who quilts and why? If so, time to ditch them and start looking for images that better represent humanity as whole.
- Check the language of store/guild/event policy when it comes to how you and your employees address your clients/customers/members. Be extra diligent to make sure employees are not misgendering, slighting or bringing bias to the workplace, since each thing they say reflects on your organization.
- Spend some time learning new ways to address people so that they feel respected. Again, inclusive language hurts no-one but it is a change and some people are adverse to change (there are still people who don’t use rotary cutters!), and it makes them fearful, but when we lead with a positive and informed position we don’t have to be knocked over by possible bullying from those who speak from a place of fear and mis-understanding.
Want the above chart as a printable? Click below!
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