Open Forum

Has anyone developed any policies regarding the use of gender-neutral pronouns?

Hi all.  Re gender-neutral pronouns: As a longtime writer for interpretive exhibits (primarily in history museums, nature centers, etc., rather than fine arts museums), this issue is something I deal with in almost every exhibit.  And I find that by now, it is second nature to me to "write around" gender specificity – and frankly, never ever to use the masculine pronoun to refer to the entire human race! It's almost always possible to write in the plural, which is always gender neutral, or to find other ways to avoid gender bias. The surprising thing is that except for the National Park Service, which has an editorial style guide (and where I have a contract to provide interpretive planning), I find that most organizations do not have any policies on this matter, even in 2016.  In fact, it usually comes down to my own personal sensitivities, which I rarely voice; I just do it. To date I cannot think of a single client who has objected to (or even noticed, in most cases) being provided with texts that are gender neutral. Whenever possible, I even go so far as to avoid common locutions and famous quotes – again, typically without talking about it -- that use "man" as a substitute for all the rest of us, as in "all mankind" and "man-made."  These constructions only become troublesome in the context of historical materials, such as the Wilderness Act, which defines wilderness as "untrammeled by man."

And lest the above sound egotistical, it's not as though I'm plowing new ground here.  Many stylebooks offer guidance, even in our changing world. Find the NPS Editorial Style guide online at www.nps.gov/hfc/products/pubs/HFCStyleGuide2015.pdf.  (NPS even allows the "everyone has their own..." construction, which mixes singular and plural – unnecessary!!! No!)  Also look at the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual, used mostly for social sciences academic writing, which in my opinion is generally a bit more helpful and up-to-date than the Chicago Manual of Style regarding evolving gender identity issues. Another helpful resource is the American Philosophical Association's guidance at http://www.apaonlinecsw.org/apa-guidelines-for-non-sexist-use-of-language.  (Note that that these two APA entities are entirely different organizations.)

Hope this helps.  My bottom-line advice:  Don't wait on developing a style guide; just start today using gender-neutral prose whenever the opportunity arises.  Over time, it will become second nature to your organization, as well as a truer reflection, perhaps, of your institution and the artists showcased therein.

Regards,

Fg

Faye Goolrick, CIP

Interpretive Planning & Exhibit Writing

Goolrick Interpretive Group

Atlanta, GA

www.goolrickgroup.com

Phone 404-633-2646