In preparation for 6.4 and as part of the release squad, I wanted to share a note to get ahead of some of what I saw when we last did a release led by gender diverse people. Namely, people shortened it to “all women led release” in both big and small moments. Speaking personally, it was discouraging to see and exhausting to have to put myself out there to correct it, despite my excitement around this wonderful initiative. My hope in sharing this note now is that the WordPress community can get on the same page early around why this is important and this post can be used as a reference for anyone who sees this release being incorrectly referred to (ie “all women led release”). I’m already seeing ways this is being shortened for 6.4 and I want us to be proactive in getting this right.
Some organizations are beginning to take steps to be more inclusive by outlining in their mission statement that they welcome both women and non-binary people. However, this approach only scratches the surface of the needs for inclusion of diverse genders. While it’s certainly a good start, I’m here to discuss why the language of “Women and Non-Binary” can be problematic and how we can do better.
From Uplifting Diverse Genders: Beyond “Women and Non-Binary”
I highly recommend reading the entirety of Uplifting Diverse Genders: Beyond “Women and Non-Binary”. It captures much of what I’ve been learning about and feeling personally. Here’s a ChatGPT powered summary:
The article discusses how the language of “Women In…” can be problematic and leave out transgender, non-binary, and marginalized genders. While some organizations are taking steps to be inclusive, stating that an opportunity is open to “Women and Non-Binary people” can perpetuate the misconception that all non-binary people identify with aspects of femininity. Additionally, this language can leave out trans men who are often overlooked and need just as much support. The article suggests changing the language to be more inclusive by removing gendered terms from group names, avoiding language that lumps non-binary people in with a binary gender, and being specific about who is included in mission statements. However, if the goal of an initiative is only to include women, that is acceptable as long as it is not limited to cis women.
ChatGPT summary
With this in mind, I’d like to openly propose that we use the term “Underrepresented Gender Led Release” for WordPress 6.4 and would appreciate help getting the word out.
I think it strikes a solid balance of being comprehensive yet concise. While we could go with something more uplifting, like a Trailblazer Led Release, I find using these more specific terms are actually what helps folks know that it’s for them. If I read something like “Trailblazer”, I’d have no sense that there was deeper intention there and it’s a signal for folks like me that a space might be for me.
Shout out to folks like Birgit from the Gutenberg Times for already championing this and thank you to the wide range of folks who I chatted with before posting.
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