Inclusive language explored at September meeting

Leslie Masaki, left, and Michele Siler (Deborah Reinhardt photo)

Missouri Professional Communicators (MPC) on Sept. 30, 2023, presented a communications guide for LGBTQ-related topics, "Language Matters." Presenters were Leslie Masaki (she/her) and Michele Siler (she/her), co-leaders of congregation Shaare Emeth’s Keshet (Hebrew for “rainbow”) Committee.

The speakers addressed why proper pronouns for individuals are important. Rethinking ways to remove gender-specific language from other communication, such as online forms, also were discussed. The presentation also noted the singular use of "they" dates to the late 1300s, and writers from Shakespeare to Emily Dickinson have employed this style.

The slide deck used in the presentation appears below and is available for download.

Language Matters - LGBTQ+ Terminology w add slides_091223.pdf

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