Gender and sexuality

WRITING GUIDELINES

In general, anything beyond name and position should be kept out of stories or content unless clearly relevant. Use people-first language when appropriate, and always check with interview subjects for personal pronouns and terms.

As in all areas, respect is paramount in topics related to gender and sexuality. Use the language describing gender or sexuality that is preferred by the person being referenced and only when appropriate and necessary. One way this recommendation is put into practice is by asking subjects for their pronoun preferences, rather than assuming them, but there are many other ways sensitivity to subject preferences may present itself in any given context. Be mindful of opportunities to explore individual preferences, as doing so provides a possibility to tell the specific, unique story of the subject.

In general, substitute gender-neutral language when possible and appropriate (ex., chair or chairperson instead of chairman). There may be cases when a suitable gender-neutral alternative is unavailable (e.g., snowman does not, to date, have a non-gendered, commonly used alternative); if possible, consider another construction.

OVERVIEW

Gender is not synonymous with sex. Gender refers to a person’s social identity, while sex refers to biological characteristics. Not all people fall under one of two categories for sex or gender, according to leading medical organizations, so avoid references to both, either or opposite sexes or genders as a way to encompass all people. When needed for clarity or in certain stories about scientific studies, alternatives include men and women, boys and girls, males and females.

Language around gender is evolving. Newsrooms and organizations outside AP may need to make decisions, based on necessity and audience, on terms that differ from or are not covered by the AP’s specific recommendations. For instance, the AP recommends the terms sex reassignment or gender confirmation for the medical procedures used for gender transition, while some groups use other terms, such as gender affirmation or sex realignment.

DEFINITIONS

asexual
Describes people who don’t experience sexual attraction, though they may feel other types of attraction, such as romantic or aesthetic. Not synonymous with and does not assume celibacy.

bisexual
Describes people attracted to more than one gender. Some people prefer pansexual, which describes people attracted to others regardless of their gender. The shortened version bi is acceptable in quotations.

cisgender
Describes people whose gender identity matches the one they were assigned at birth; that is, not transgender. Explain if necessary. Do not use terms like normal to describe people who are not transgender. Not synonymous with heterosexual, which refers to sexual orientation.

conversion therapy
The scientifically discredited practice of using therapy to “convert” LGBTQ people to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations. Either refer to it as so-called conversion therapy or put quotation marks around it. Do not do both. Gay conversion therapy should take no hyphen. Always include the disclaimer that it is discredited.

cross-dresser
Avoid using the term cross-dresser. Instead, use people who cross-dress or people who dress in non-gender conforming clothing, as cross-dresser has historically been a derogatory term. Use these person-first terms instead of the outdated transvestite for someone who wears clothing associated with a different gender, and only when the subject identifies as such. Not synonymous with drag performer or transgender.

deadname
Use the name by which a transgender person now lives. Refer to a previous name, sometimes called a deadname (noun), only if relevant to the story. See name changes.

drag performer, drag queen, drag king
Entertainers who dress and act as a different gender. Drag queens act as women; drag kings act as men. Male impersonator or female impersonator is also acceptable. Not synonymous with cross-dresser or transgender.

gay, lesbian
Used to describe people attracted to the same sex, though lesbian is the more common term for women. Preferred over homosexual. Include sexual orientation only when it is pertinent to a story, and avoid references to sexual preference or to a gay or alternative lifestyle. Gays is acceptable as a plural noun when necessary, but do not use the singular gay as a noun. Lesbian is acceptable as a noun in singular or plural form. Sexual orientation is not synonymous with gender.

gender-nonconforming
Acceptable in broad references as a term for people who do not conform to gender expectations. The group is providing scholarships for gender-nonconforming students. When talking about individuals, be specific about how a person describes or expresses gender identity and behavior. Roberta identifies as both male and female. Not synonymous with transgender.

Use other terms like bigender (a term for people who identify as a combination of two genders) or agender (people who identify as having no gender) only if used by subjects to describe themselves and only with explanation.

genderfluid
Used to describe individuals who have different gender identities at different times.

heterosexual
In males, a sexual orientation that describes attraction to females, and vice versa. Straight is acceptable. Transgender people can be heterosexual.

homophobia, homophobic
Acceptable in broad references or in quotations to the concept of fear or hatred of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. The governor denounced homophobia. In individual cases, be specific about observable actions; avoid descriptions or language that assumes motives. The leaflets contained an anti-gay slur. The voters opposed same-sex marriage.

Related terms include biphobia (fear or hatred specifically of bisexuals) and transphobia (fear or hatred of transgender people).

homosexual, homosexuality
Refers to the sexual orientations of gay and/or lesbian. Gay and lesbian is preferred as an adjective; homosexuality is acceptable when an umbrella term is needed. Avoid homosexual as a noun.

intersectionality
Describes overlapping social categorizations, including but not limited to ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Generally used to identify ways in which different systems of discrimination, disadvantage or oppression affect individuals both separately and together.  

intersex
Describes people born with genitalia, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit typical definitions for males or females. Gonzalez is an intersex person who identifies as female. Zimmerman is intersex. Do not use the outdated term hermaphrodite.

LGBT, LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ is preferred at the University. Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning and/or queer. I generally stands for intersex, and A can stand for asexual (a person who doesn't experience sexual attraction), ally (some activists decry this use of the abbreviation) or both*. Best used as an adjective and an umbrella term. Don't use it when the group you're referring to is limited to, for instance, only bisexuals.

*Please note that while the AP Style lists “ally” as an acceptable meaning for “A” in LGBTQIA+, the University recommends retaining the meaning “asexual” for “A.”

nonbinary
People are nonbinary if their gender identity is not strictly male or female. Not synonymous with transgender. Explain in a story if the context doesn't make it clear.

out, outing
Refers to public knowledge of a person’s homosexuality, bisexuality or gender transition. Brianna McSmith came out as lesbian; Gus Rubenstein came out of the closet; Sam Robinson came out as transgender. Outing or outed is usually used when a person’s status is revealed against one’s knowledge or will.

Do not use terms like avowed or admitted. Use the term openly only if needed to draw a distinction. Don’t assume that because news figures address their sexuality publicly, it qualifies as coming out; public figures may consider themselves out even if they haven’t previously addressed their orientation publicly.

pronouns
Do not presume maleness in constructing a sentence by defaulting to he/his/him. Usually it is possible, and always preferable, to reword the sentence to avoid gender: Reporters try to protect their sources.

In most cases, a plural pronoun such as they, them or their should agree in number with the antecedent: The children love the books their uncle gave them. They/them/their is acceptable in limited cases as a gender-neutral pronoun, when alternative wording is overly awkward or clumsy. However, rewording usually is possible and always is preferable. Clarity is a top priority; gender-neutral use of a singular they is unfamiliar to many readers.

We do not use other gender-neutral pronouns such as xe or ze, per AP guidelines. Exceptions may be made for personal pronouns.

Arguments for using they/them as a singular sometimes arise with unspecified/unknown gender (the victim, the winner). In stories about people who identify as neither male nor female or ask not to be referred to as he/she/him/her: Use the person’s name in place of a pronoun, or otherwise reword the sentence, whenever possible. If they/them/their use is essential, explain in the text that the person prefers a gender-neutral pronoun. Be sure that the phrasing does not imply more than one person.

Examples of rewording: Hendricks said the new job is a thrill (instead of Hendricks said Hendricks is thrilled about the new job or Hendricks said they are thrilled about the new job). Lowry’s partner is Dana Adams, an antiques dealer. They bought a house last year (instead of Lowry and Lowry’s partner bought a house last year or Lowry and their partner bought a house last year).

When they is used in the singular, it takes a plural verb: Taylor said they need a new car. (Again, be sure it’s clear from the context that only one person is involved.)

The singular reflexive themself is acceptable only if needed in constructions involving people who identify as neither male nor female. Again, it’s usually possible and always best to rephrase. Dana Adams was not available for comment (instead of Dana Adams did not make themself available for comment). See his, her; they, them, their.

queer
Queer is an umbrella term covering people who are not heterosexual or cisgender and is acceptable for people and organizations that use the term to identify themselves. Do not use it when intended as a slur. Follow guidelines for obscenities, profanities, vulgarities as appropriate.

same-sex marriage
The preferred term rather than gay marriage, because the laws generally don’t address sexual orientation. In places where it’s legal, same-sex marriage is no different from other marriages, so the term should be used only when germane and needed to distinguish from marriages between male-female heterosexual couples. Gertrude Boxer and Savannah Boxer dated for several years before their marriage in 2014. Sex is not synonymous with gender.

sex reassignment or gender confirmation
The treatments, surgeries and other medical procedures used by transgender people to match their sex to their gender. The preferred term over gender reassignment; do not use the outdated term sex change. Sex reassignment or gender confirmation surgery is not necessary for people to transition their gender.

transgender
Describes people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were identified as having at birth. Does not require what are often known as sex reassignment or gender confirmation procedures. Identify people as transgender only if pertinent, and use the name by which they live publicly. Generally, avoid references to a transgender person being born a boy or girl, since it’s an unnecessary detail and excludes intersex babies. Bernard is a transgender man. Christina is transgender. The shorthand trans is acceptable on second reference and in headlines: Grammys add first man and first trans woman as trophy handlers.

Do not use as a noun, such as referring to someone as a transgender, or use the term transgendered. Not synonymous with terms like cross-dresser or drag queen, which do not have to do with gender identity. See cross-dresser, drag performer. Do not use the outdated term transsexual. Avoid derogatory terms such as tranny. Follow guidelines for obscenities, profanities, vulgarities as appropriate.

Use the name by which a transgender person now lives. Refer to a previous name, sometimes called a deadname, only if relevant to the story. See name changes.

transition, gender transition
The processes transgender people go through to match their gender identity, which may include sex reassignment or gender confirmation procedures, but not necessarily.

Washington is transitioning while helping his daughter consider universities. Chamberlain’s family offered support during her transition.

woman, women
Use female as an adjective, not woman. She is the first female governor of North Carolina.

Treatment of the sexes should be evenhanded and free of assumptions and stereotypes. This does not mean that valid and acceptable words such as mankind or humanity cannot be used. They are proper.

GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE

In general, use terms that can apply to any gender. Such language aims to treat people equally and is inclusive of people whose gender identity is not strictly male or female.

Balance these aims with common sense, respect for the language and an understanding that gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language is evolving and in some cases is challenging to achieve.

Consider any word or term that has the effect of emphasizing one gender over another. Is there another word that could be substituted? For example: search instead of manhunt. Police officer instead of policeman. Door attendant instead of doorman.

A true gender-neutral noun often presents itself easily: chair or chairperson, firefighter, workforce. In other cases, a noun may technically not be gender-neutral but instead be a masculine noun that assumes the generic case under English language convention: actor, host.

In general, use terms such as chair or chairperson, councilperson or council member, and spokesperson unless the -man or -woman terms are specified by an organization. Councilmember is acceptable in jurisdictions that have adopted the one-word version.

Mother/father, son/daughter, sister/brother, husband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend and other relationship terms are generally acceptable. But parent, child, sibling, spouse are acceptable if preferred by an individual. Also: fiancé/fiancée and divorce/divorcee are acceptable if relevant. 

While some -person constructions, such as chairperson and spokesperson, are commonly used, avoid tortured or unfamiliar constructions such as snowperson, baseperson or freshperson. Similarly, don’t use siblinghood in place of brotherhood or sisterhood.

The terms U.S. representative, representative, member of Congress are preferred. Congressman and congresswoman are acceptable because of their common use. Do not use congressperson.

Sports terms such as man-to-man defense and third baseman are acceptable for both men’s and women’s events, though often rephrasing is better: She plays third base. Royal titles such as princess, duchess and lady are standard. Also acceptable: goddess in religious or mythology references.

Unless city leaders (not city fathers) decide otherwise, Philadelphia remains the City of Brotherly Love. History recognizes the seven Founding Fathers of the United States. Frosty the Snowman is the character’s name, though Frosty can work as shorthand.

Here are some other examples of preferred usage. Some are new to the Stylebook. Others are changes from past style. This list is not all-inclusive; it can serve as a framework by which to consider other words. Multiple terms are not necessarily interchangeable. Choose what is appropriate and accurate in the context.

GENDER-NEUTRAL DEFINITIONS

actor
In general, use this term for any gender. Use actress for a woman only in stories about the Oscars, Emmys or Tonys, all of which use the word actress in their awards.

blond
Use blond as an adjective in all applications when relevant: She has blond hair. Avoid using either blond or blonde as a noun: He has blond hair, not he is a blond. If necessary to use as a noun in a direct quote, use blond for any gender.

brown (hair)
Use brown as an adjective in all applications when relevant: She has brown hair. Avoid using brunette as a noun unless in a direct quote. She has brown hair, not she is a brunette.

dancer, ballet dancer
But ballerina is acceptable because of broad use by dancers.

first-year student
Freshman is acceptable. Do not use freshperson or freshwoman. First-term lawmakers is preferred over freshman lawmakers.

RELATED DEFINITIONS

boy, girl
Generally acceptable to describe males or females younger than 18. While it is always inaccurate to call people under 18 men or women and people 18 and older boys or girls, be aware of nuances and unintentional implications. Referring to Black males of any age and in any context as boys, for instance, can be perceived as demeaning and call to mind historical language used by some to address Black men. Be specific about ages if possible, or refer to Black youths, child, teen or similar.

chair, chairperson, chairman, chairwoman
In general, use terms such as chair or chairperson, councilperson unless the -man or -woman terms are specified by an organization.

Capitalize as a formal title before a name, but not after: company Chair Henry Khan, committee Chairwoman Margaret Chase Smith; Margaret Chase Smith, committee chairwoman

Do not capitalize as a casual, temporary position: chair Dara Jackson.

Chair is acceptable as a verb: She chaired the meeting; he chairs the committee.

congressman, congresswoman
Use only in reference to members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The terms U.S. representative, representative, member of Congress are preferred. Congressman and congresswoman are acceptable because of their common use. Do not use congressperson.

Rep. and U.S. Rep. are the preferred first-reference forms when a formal title is used before the name of a U.S. House member. Congressman and congresswoman should appear as capitalized formal titles before a name only in direct quotation.

fiancé (man) fiancée (woman)
Generally acceptable to describe anyone who is engaged to be married, regardless of sexual orientation. If a couple requests not to use those terms or if a gender-neutral option is needed, describe couples as engaged or planning to marry or use similar phrasing.

his, her
Do not presume maleness in constructing a sentence. Usually it is possible, and always preferable, to reword the sentence to avoid gender: Reporters try to protect their sources. If essential, the pronoun they may be used as a singular, with a plural verb: The Obama administration told public schools to grant bathroom access even if a student’s gender identity isn’t what’s in their record. The official said they are afraid for their safety. Be sure the context makes clear that only one person is involved.

homophobia, homophobic
Acceptable in broad references or in quotations to the concept of fear or hatred of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. The governor denounced homophobia. In individual cases, be specific about observable actions; avoid descriptions or language that assumes motives. The leaflets contained an anti-gay slur. The voters opposed same-sex marriage. Related terms include biphobia (fear or hatred specifically of bisexuals) and transphobia (fear or hatred of transgender people).

husband, wife
Regardless of sexual orientation, husband for a man or wife for a woman is acceptable in all references to individuals in any legally recognized marriage. Spouse or partner may be used if requested or as a gender-neutral option.

mistress
Do not use this archaic and sexist term for a woman who is in a long-term sexual relationship with, and is financially supported by, a man who is married to someone else. Instead, use an alternative like companion, friend or lover on first reference and provide additional details later. Smith, who is married to someone else, was accused of embezzling funds to support his lover.

name changes
In general, use the name by which a person currently lives or is widely known. Include a previous name or names only if relevant to story.

spouse
A gender-neutral alternative in place of wife or husband. For example: physicians and their spouses, not physicians and their wives.

they, them, their
In most cases, a plural pronoun should agree in number with the antecedent: The children love the books their uncle gave them. They/them/their is acceptable in limited cases as a singular and/or gender-neutral pronoun, when alternative wording is overly awkward or clumsy. However, rewording usually is possible and always is preferable. Clarity is a top priority; gender-neutral use of a singular they is unfamiliar to many readers. We do not use other gender-neutral pronouns such as xe or ze.

Usage example: A singular they might be used when an anonymous source’s gender must be shielded and other wording is overly awkward: The person feared for their own safety and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Arguments for using they/them as a singular sometimes arise with an indefinite pronoun (anyone, everyone, someone) or unspecified/unknown gender (a person, the victim, the winner). Examples of rewording:

• All the class members raised their hands (instead of everyone raised their hands).
• The foundation gave grants to anyone who lost a job this year (instead of anyone who lost their job).
• Police said the victim would be identified after relatives are notified (instead of after their relatives are notified or after his or her relatives are notified).
• Lottery officials said the winner could claim the prize Tuesday (instead of their or his or her prize).

In stories about people who identify as neither male nor female or ask not to be referred to as he/she/him/her: Use the person’s name in place of a pronoun, or otherwise reword the sentence, whenever possible. If they/them/their use is essential, explain in the text that the person prefers a gender-neutral pronoun. Be sure that the phrasing does not imply more than one person. Examples of rewording:

• Hendricks said the new job is a thrill (instead of Hendricks said Hendricks is thrilled about the new job or Hendricks said they are thrilled about the new job).
• Lowry’s partner is Dana Adams, an antiques dealer. They bought a house last year (instead of Lowry and Lowry’s partner bought a house last year or Lowry and their partner bought a house last year).

When they is used in the singular, it takes a plural verb: Taylor said they need a new car. (Again, be sure it’s clear from the context that only one person is involved.)

The singular reflexive themself is acceptable only if needed in constructions involving people who identify as neither male nor female. Again, it’s usually possible and always best to rephrase. Dana Adams was not available for comment yet (instead of Dana Adams did not make themself available for comment).

woman, women
Use female as an adjective, not woman. She is the first female governor of North Carolina. Treatment of the sexes should be evenhanded and free of assumptions and stereotypes.

TERMINOLOGY