In a significant move towards fostering a more inclusive environment, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has directed State Department employees to eschew the use of gender-specific language. In an internal memo, Blinken advised staff to substitute terms such as “manpower,” “mother,” “father,” and similar gendered phrases with gender-neutral alternatives. This guidance is part of a broader effort to acknowledge and respect diverse gender identities within the department.
The memo, issued on February 5, emphasizes the importance of recognizing gender as a social construct, which may not necessarily align with the sex assigned at birth. Blinken’s message was clear: the adoption of gender-neutral language is not only about showing respect but also about preventing misunderstandings that can arise from gender assumptions.
Blinken further encouraged department personnel to voluntarily share their preferred pronouns in email signatures and during introductions in meetings, to prevent misgendering individuals based on their names or appearances, which he described as potentially problematic and exclusionary.
The memo outlined several examples of preferred language changes, such as using “labor force” instead of “manpower,” and “parent” in place of “mother/father.” Additionally, Blinken suggested referring to groups of people as “everyone” or “folks” rather than “you guys” or “ladies and gentlemen,” and opting for “first responders” or “soldiers” rather than “men and women on the front lines.”
Acknowledging that mistakes can happen, Blinken advised State Department staff to address any inadvertent misgendering with subtlety and grace, while being mindful of the fluidity of gender identity and the potential for shifts in pronouns.
This initiative reflects the State Department’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and underscores the Biden administration’s ongoing efforts to promote an inclusive culture across the federal government. Secretary Blinken’s memo serves as a model for other departments and agencies looking to advance similar values within their own operations.