Navigating Person-First and Community-First Language

Language is more than just words, it’s a powerful, ever-evolving tool that shapes how we understand each other and move through the world. In our increasingly diverse communities, the way we speak about people matters. It reflects our values, our awareness, and our respect for others’ lived experiences.

One important conversation within inclusive communication is the use of person-first language versus identity-first (or community-chosen) language. Understanding the difference and knowing when to use each is a crucial part of building respectful, human-centered relationships and work.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Person-First Language?

Person-first language emphasizes the individual before any experience, label, or identity. It’s rooted in the idea that people are not defined solely by their experiences or characteristics.

For example:

• Instead of saying “a homeless person,” you might say “a person experiencing homelessness.”

• Instead of “a disabled person,” you might say “a person with a disability.”

The goal is to promote dignity, avoid reducing someone to a single trait, and reinforce that all people deserve to be seen first and foremost as human.

When to Use Person-First Language

• When you want to highlight someone’s humanity above a particular identity or experience

• In professional settings like healthcare, education, or social services

• When a community or individual has indicated a preference for it

• When there’s uncertainty about preferred terminology, it can be a respectful starting point

  
  

What Is Identity-First or Community-Chosen Language?

Identity-first language puts the identity or condition before the person. While this may seem contrary to inclusivity, it’s often a powerful way for individuals and communities to claim and express who they are, especially when that identity is central to their experience, culture and topic at hand.

For example:

• Many members of the Deaf community prefer “Deaf person” over “person with hearing loss.”

• Some people identify as “autistic” rather than “a person with autism.”

• Phrases like “the Black community” or “Women leaders” reflect both cultural identity and collective pride.

This approach respects the autonomy of communities to define themselves and speak from a place of empowerment.

When to Use Identity-First or Community-Chosen Language

• When a community has explicitly and collectively expressed a preference for identity-first terminology

• When identity is central to the context, experience, or conversation

• When acknowledging shared history, culture, or pride

Language Is Always Evolving

One of the most important things to remember? Language changes.

What’s considered respectful or inclusive today might shift tomorrow as communities grow, reclaim power, or redefine themselves. That’s why it’s essential to remain open to feedback, stay informed, and adjust your language as needed.

There’s no universal rulebook, different individuals within the same group may prefer different terms. The best approach is to listen, ask when appropriate, and follow the lead of those you're referring to.

So… Which Should You Use?

The short answer: It depends.

Both person-first and identity-first language have a place in respectful communication. The key is to understand your audience, the context, and most importantly—honor people’s preferences.

Here are a few guiding principles:

• When in doubt, ask. If it’s appropriate and respectful, ask how someone prefers to be described.

• Listen and follow the lead. Pay attention to how people or communities refer to themselves, and mirror that language when possible.

• Offer options when addressing groups. When speaking to or writing about diverse communities, acknowledge that there may be multiple valid preferences. For example: “Latino/x/e”

• Stay informed. Language evolves, so it’s important to keep learning and adjusting as community preferences shift.

• Lead with respect. Your intention matters, but being open to feedback and willing to adjust is what builds trust and credibility.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, how we speak about others reflects how we see them. Choosing language with care is one small, but significant way we can show respect, promote dignity, and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Whether you’re in a breakroom, boardroom, or community space, your words hold power. Let’s use them wisely.

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