What is inclusive writing?

Elia is a menstrual lingerie brand. In our DNA, we aim to offer panties that allow all menstruating people to wear them (yes, some men wear our panties!). Inclusive writing is very important to us. You often ask us what it's all about. Here are a few explanations :) 

What is inclusive writing?

Inclusive writing is about ensuring that the famous rule "the masculine takes precedence over the feminine in the plural" is no longer true, and that both sexes are put on an equal footing thanks to a set of periods. It's a feminist battle that aims to combat sexist stereotypes and change mentalities through the French language, with visible repercussions on society. 

There was a time when the French language was more egalitarian than it is today, with feminine nouns (such as autrice, professeures, etc.) and proximity agreement (granting the gender and number of the closest word). From the 17th century onwards, the choice was made to grant according to the "noblest gender", and thus to masculinize the French language.

How do I write in inclusive script?

Inclusive writing is based on 3 spelling principles to emphasize the feminine.

1) First principle Principle 1: Stop applying the grammar rule "the masculine takes precedence over the feminine", in favor of proximity agreement (agreeing the adjective with the closest subject).

For example: Men and women are equal / Women and men are equal.

2) Second principle Gender-balance grades, functions, professions and titles.

For example, we no longer say "firefighter", but "firewoman".

In addition, using double flexion or the midpoint to mark the gender of words allows both sexes to be included.

For example: Candidates are going to take the competition. Or again: The candidatess will take the competition.

3) Third principle Avoid using the words "man" and "woman", preferring more universal terms.

For example: instead of saying human rights, we'll say human rights l.

Even so, inclusive writing still meets with a great deal of reticence. This is particularly true of some defenders of the French language, who believe that words interspersed with dots make sentences unreadable. For others, this form of writing cannot be used orally, and therefore makes no sense in writing. Nevertheless, inclusive writing, which is not compulsory, is strongly encouraged by the Haut Conseil à l'égalité entre les femmes et les hommes, which has even published a "guide pour une communication publique sans stéréotype de sexe". In fact, France is leading the resistance, as in many Western countries, gender-inclusive language has been a concern for some thirty years.

For further information, you can also watch Marinette's video: