Presenter(s): Arnaud Gonzalez – Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor(s): Sarah Wald
Poster 153
Research Area: Social Science
I am part of a project to audit the online resources of environmental organization Bark, which is dedicated to “defending and restoring Mt. Hood National Forest”, and to make a protocol for the use of inclusive language in their communication. I personally focus on gender-inclusiveness: how to avoid representations that demonstrate misogyny (oppression against women), heteronormativity (assumption that everyone is or should be straight), cissexism (assumption that everyone is or should be cisgender – vs. transgender) and dyadism (assumption that everyone is dyadic – vs. intersex); and how to use, instead, gender-neutral and LGBT+-inclusive language. I analyze both the terms used and the visuals shared on the organization’s website and Facebook page in recent publications. Based on academic and activist resources, I suggest changes and goals to the organization. The environmental movement traditionally reproduces oppressions against women and sexual and gender minorities. It often shows prejudice against them and gives unfair power to men and cisgender, straight and/or dyadic individuals, especially through a predominant visibility and a larger credibility given to them. This protocol is meant
to inspire environmental organizations to offer inclusive information and spaces where people who face oppression feel safe, accepted, respected and welcome.