Wikipedia:Naming conventions (identity)
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This is perhaps one area where wikipedians flexibility and plurality are an asset, and where one would not wish all pages to look exactly alike. Nevertheless, here are some guidelines:
- When naming an article about specific people or specific groups always use the terminology which those individuals or organizations use, self identification (see list below).
- Use the most specific terminology available, thus if someone is of Ethiopian descent one would describe them as Ethiopian, not African.
- If this is objectionable often a more general name is more neutral or more accurate. For example: List of African-American composers is acceptable, but List of composers of African descent is, in this case, more useful.
- Almost always use terms as adjectives rather than nouns, thus, black people, not blacks, gay people, not gays, adults with disabilities etc.
- Do not assume that any one term is the most inclusive or accurate.
- On the other hand, generalizing a subject is often the least offensive way to deal with it.
Terms preferred by groups:
- A 1996 survey revealed that "natives" in the United States preferred American Indian to Native American, although Native American is also generally acceptable. [1] Neither of these terms are generally used in Alaska, where the term Eskimo is sometimes offensive, and Alaskan Native is usually a safer bet.
- Gay and lesbian are preferred over homosexual.
- Roma is preferred over gypsy.
- Two-Spirit is preferred over berdache.
- Transsexual males and females should be referred to using pronouns consistant with their current gender identification or gender presentation - for example, if a person lives as female and appears female, we should use female pronouns. The terms transman and transwoman are somewhat preferable when needing to discuss a person's transsexual identity outside of a clinical context, as they are clear and potentially less degrading than alternatives, and can be used in the same manner as the terms man or woman. Note however, that it's not necessary, desirable, or appropriate to qualify every reference to a transsexual's gender with a reference to their transsexuality.
- Other examples: