In the writing world, inclusivity is more than just a trend. It’s a necessity, and especially considering the current political climate we’re faced with. As writers, it’s important to give serious thought to what we bring to the world through our words. Because words have power and the effects of our stories can be far-reaching.
Creating stories that reflect our diverse world and offering readers from all backgrounds the opportunity to see themselves on the page is essential to evolving as storytellers so we can do our part to make the world a better place. But what does inclusive writing mean, and why does it matter? Let’s take a look at the principles of inclusive writing, why it’s essential, and how you can integrate it into your work.
What Is Inclusive Writing?
Inclusive writing is the practice of consciously crafting language, characters, and narratives that represent a broad spectrum of human experiences. It seeks to avoid biases, stereotypes, and exclusion while representing different identities, abilities, cultures, and perspectives with accuracy and respect.
This approach, of course, applies across various forms of writing, from fiction and nonfiction to marketing materials and academic writing. At its core, inclusive writing is about being intentional and thoughtful in the words you choose and the stories you tell. For this post, the focus is on fiction.
Some key aspects of inclusive writing include:
Diverse Character Representation—Creating characters from different racial, ethnic, gender, and ability backgrounds without reducing them to stereotypes.
Respectful Language—Using words that align with how groups self-identify and avoiding outdated or offensive phrasing.
Accessibility Considerations—Taking care to use language that is clear, readable, and available in formats that accommodate people with disabilities.
Avoidance of Harmful Tropes—Steering clear of clichés or oversimplified portrayals that misrepresent or diminish certain groups.
Why Inclusive Writing Matters
Political correctness, respect, and compassion are only part of the reason behind the need for inclusive writing. It’s also about authenticity and responsibility. Inclusive writing strives to do the following:
Reflect the Real World
The world is diverse, so the stories we tell should be too. Readers connect deeply with stories that acknowledge and celebrate different identities, experiences, and perspectives, especially when they see and live them every day, whether through their own lived experience or in the experiences of those around them.
Encourage Empathy and Understanding
Stories have the power to shape perceptions. When readers encounter characters and narratives that differ from their own experiences, they’re presented with an opportunity to learn and develop a greater understanding of others.
Create a Wider Audience
Writing inclusively broadens your readership. When people see themselves accurately and respectfully depicted on the page, they are more likely to engage with and share your work.
Challenge Harmful Norms
Literature has historically been shaped by dominant narratives that exclude or misrepresent marginalized groups. Inclusive writing helps to dismantle these outdated perspectives and structures and push for more equitable storytelling.
Enhance Creativity
A commitment to inclusivity encourages richer, more complex storytelling, which will both push you as a writer and make your stories better. It will also allow you to explore new perspectives, settings, and conflicts that you might otherwise overlook.
Examples of Inclusive Writing
To put these principles into action, here are several ways to make your writing more inclusive:
Use Gender-Neutral Language
Instead of defaulting to masculine terms, opt for gender-neutral alternatives.
Instead of Mankind, use Humanity or Humankind
Instead of Chairman, use Chairperson or Chairwoman
Instead of He or she, use They (when applicable)
Develop Well-Rounded Characters
Avoid tokenism by ensuring that diverse characters have depth and agency. A character’s identity should be an integral part of who they are, but not their only defining trait.
Example: Instead of a one-dimensional LGBTQ+ character whose entire personality revolves around that identity, create a fully fleshed-out individual with hobbies, relationships, and personal struggles beyond their sexuality or gender identity.
Example: Instead of a flat, cardboard character of color who serves only as support to enhance the white protagonist’s quest, write them as a well-rounded human being with capabilities, likes and dislikes, and desires found in anyone, and give them equal time, energy, and importance in the story and its outcome.
Be Mindful of Cultural Representation
When writing about cultures different from your own, research thoroughly and avoid exoticizing or appropriating elements without understanding their significance.
Example: Instead of depicting an Indigenous character as a mystical guide, explore the nuances of their lived experiences and traditions with depth and accuracy.
Example: Rather than leaning on stereotypes, put characters of cultural backgrounds different from your own in real scenarios—a Latina character pursuing a cure for a disease while attempting to maintain difficult family ties, a Black character as a successful entrepreneur with a case of imposter syndrome, or an Asian character pursuing a career as a ballerina who also has a chronic illness.
Represent Disabilities Accurately and Respectfully
Characters with disabilities should not be defined solely by their conditions, nor should they be used as inspirational props.
Example: Instead of portraying a blind character as having “superhuman” hearing, depict them as an individual navigating the world in a way that aligns with real-life experiences.
Example: Rather than write a storyline wherein a disabled character “overcomes” their disability to be “normal,” write a story showing the character’s perseverance in getting the accommodations they deserve, with the world bending to meet them, rather than them being required to “fit in,” or a storyline of a sought-after attorney who requires a wheelchair, with the story being about their expertise and success in winning cases, not about their physical ability.
Avoid Harmful Tropes and Stereotypes
Be conscious of overused and damaging portrayals of marginalized groups. Some common pitfalls to avoid include:
The “tragic queer” trope (where LGBTQ+ characters are doomed to suffer or die)
The “magical minority” (where a character of color exists only to guide the white protagonist)
The “inspiration porn” approach to disability (where a disabled character exists solely to inspire able-bodied characters)
Final Thoughts
Inclusive writing is an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and refining your craft. It requires openness, research, and a willingness to engage with feedback. By striving for inclusivity, writers can contribute to a literary world where more people feel seen, valued, and understood.
Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or a screenplay, taking the time to consider inclusivity improves your work and helps you create stories that resonate with a diverse and evolving readership. Start small, stay curious, and keep learning. Your words have the power to shape a more inclusive world.
Help me build a list of novels that clearly include inclusivity. Tell me in the comments!
Sending you mad writing mojo…
Happy writing!