The main focus of the Women’s and Equality Officer is to ensure the use of gender-neutral language at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich, both in official correspondence, announcements, publications, leaflets, posters, etc., and in teaching. Following the ban on special and internal symbols in official correspondence, we are faced with the challenge of finding a way of writing that does justice to the gender designations ‘male, female, diverse’, abbreviated as (m/f/d). The Academy’s new style guide therefore uses the generic feminine form in conjunction with (m/f/d).
As the Women’s and Equality Officers of the AdBK, we strongly criticise the current ban on gender-inclusive language. The significance of this previously freely chosen style of writing and expression lies in the fact that it makes people’s diversity visible in language too. In higher education and academic contexts, as well as in society at large, it is therefore important to continue advocating for the use of gender-sensitive, fair language! The LaKoF is committed to equal opportunities for women in science, the arts and teaching; we address all those identified as female; nevertheless, we echo the arguments put forward by the State Conference of Women’s and Equality Officers. From today, this applies even more: seek dialogue! Remain linguistically sensitive and adaptable – experiment!
Your Women’s and Equality Officers
"Only through gender-sensitive language can the diverse realities of social life be accurately captured and reflected. Women make up half of society and should therefore be just as visible in language. The same applies to all people who do not identify within the binary gender system. Fundamentally, the use of gender-sensitive language helps to break down stereotypes and prevent misunderstandings. This is also important in the higher education context, as many people still picture male researchers when they think of ‘academics’. However, this no longer reflects the current reality in higher education. Universities, in particular, should therefore set an example and express the diversity within their ranks through language as well. […] There are various ways to phrase things in a gender-sensitive, fair and inclusive manner. Depending on the occasion, some are more suitable than others. Fundamentally, the aim is always either to make gender visible when it is relevant, or to neutralise it linguistically so that everyone feels included. Language offers many creative possibilities in this regard and makes it possible to send specific signals and emphasise certain points. The LaKoF would therefore like to encourage the creative and sensitive use of language in academia as well, thereby contributing to greater visibility and equality in academia and society.”
(https://www.lakof-bayern.de/aktivitaeten/gleichstellungsarbeit/gendergerechte-sprache)