Wikipedia is working to be made into a more welcoming environment for readers and editors alike. Their article on writing about women states that, “As of June 2019, 16.7% of editors on the English Wikipedia who have declared a gender say they are female.” (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_about_women) They go on to note that “only 17.86% of our biographies are about women.” (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_about_women)

Their written policies on gender neutral language and identity also work to promote spaces that are more inclusive and safe. For example, they outline the use of overall language (not just pronouns) that supports a person’s latest (or most recent) gender expression. An example would be, in an article about Caitlyn Jenner (or any trans woman), writing that she “became a parent” rather than that she “became a father.” (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Identity)

As stated by Julie Serano in her essay titled, “Trans Woman Manifesto,” it is important to “let go of the culturally derived values that are assigned to expressions of femininity and masculinity” in order to “finally approach gender equity.” (Serano, p 432) It is potentially transformative to see a platform as widely used as Wikipedia promote and codify the use of gender neutral language and language that supports people’s identities.

WORKS CITED

“Writing about Women.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Sept. 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_about_women.

“Manual of Style.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Nov. 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Identity.

Serano, Julie. “Trans Woman Manifesto.” Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. ROUTLEDGE, 2018