One of the greatest opportunities we have as Torontonians is working in multicultural environments. Context and nuance are important if we want our communication to be inclusive, respectful, and informed. IDEA committee member Caterina Valentino highlights action steps to help achieve that:
- Practice Cultural Awareness: Understand that people’s words are influenced by diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and customs.
- Adopt Inclusive Language: Use person-first or identity-first language as individuals prefer, and choose gender-neutral terms.
- Avoid Stereotypes: Steer clear of assumptions and stereotypes; let every conversation reflect respectful understanding.
Respect Self-Identifications: Honour diverse pronouns and self-identifications, ensuring everyone feels included.