Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Memo on Gender-Neutral Language: A New Approach to Inclusive Communication in the State Department

The United States Department of State, under the leadership of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has recently issued a memo to its staff, urging them to adopt gender-neutral language in their communication. This memo, titled “Modeling DEIA: Gender Identity Best Practices,” aims to increase understanding of gender identity and provide guidance on gender identity language and best practices that support an inclusive work environment.

The memo, which was first obtained by the National Review, advises staff to avoid gendered phrases and words, such as “manpower,” “you guys,” “ladies and gentlemen,” “mother/father,” “son/daughter,” and “husband/wife.” Instead, the memo encourages the use of “labor force,” “everyone,” “folks,” “you all,” “parent,” “child,” “spouse,” or “partner.”

The memo also cautions employees against assuming someone’s gender based on their appearance or name, as this can be problematic and send a harmful, exclusionary message. Furthermore, it asks staff to handle situations where the wrong pronoun is used with subtlety and grace, while acknowledging that identity may be fluid and remain attuned to shifts in pronouns.

The memo’s guidance on gender-neutral language is part of a larger trend in the Biden administration to promote inclusive and non-gendered language. Other agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, have also issued similar guidance, which has been criticized for potentially violating employee rights and leading to firings for misgendering.

The State Department’s role in foreign policy and international diplomacy is crucial, and the memo was published at a time when the U.S. is grappling with ongoing conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the war in Israel. The memo’s focus on gender-neutral language may seem trivial in comparison to these pressing issues, but it is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful work environment.

The memo’s emphasis on respect and inclusivity is not only relevant to the State Department but also to society as a whole. In today’s diverse and complex world, it is essential to be mindful of the language we use and the impact it has on others. By adopting gender-neutral language, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment, both in the workplace and in our daily lives.

The memo’s guidance on gender-neutral language is not a new concept, but it is gaining more attention and importance in today’s society. The use of gender-neutral language is becoming increasingly common in various industries and organizations, as more people recognize the importance of inclusivity and respect.

The memo’s focus on gender identity and language is part of a larger movement towards greater awareness and acceptance of gender identity and expression. This movement has gained momentum in recent years, with more people coming out as transgender or non-binary and more organizations and institutions recognizing and accommodating their needs.

The memo’s guidance on gender-neutral language is not only important for creating a more inclusive and respectful work environment but also for promoting greater understanding and acceptance of gender identity and expression. By using gender-neutral language, we can help reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by transgender and non-binary individuals and create a more inclusive and accepting society.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s memo on gender-neutral language is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful work environment in the State Department. The memo’s guidance on gender identity language and best practices is part of a larger trend towards greater awareness and acceptance of gender identity and expression. By adopting gender-neutral language, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment, both in the workplace and in our daily lives. It is essential to be mindful of the language we use and the impact it has on others, and by doing so, we can help promote greater understanding and acceptance of gender identity and expression in society.