Heterosexist Language

Read through the following statements and determine if they are heterosexist, sexist or promote
gender normativity. Identify ways to adjust the language to be more inclusive.

For the holiday gift exchange, Okay, we’re going to have a

you boys buy superhero books contest! Boys on this side, girls
and you girls buy princess books on that side

Stop flirting with her and listen When you get married, you can
(to a boy) get your own place

Are your mommy and daddy What is the marital status of

going to come to the parent- your older brother?
teacher interview?

Can you boys please go and set Can one of you girls please come
up the volleyball nets up and write notes on the board
about the class brainstorm

I need a strong young man to When you go home today,

help me carry some things to the please give this permission slip
office to your mom and dad

All you girls are in love with Zac When you boys and girls go
Efron, aren’t you? home tonight, ask your mom to
volunteer for the class
Halloween party

Let’s make teams for the When you meet that special guy,
basketball game. All the boys on you’ll just know (to a girl)
this side and all the girls on this
side

Who is your girlfriend? (to a Who is your boyfriend? (to a

boy) girl)

Ask your mom to sew your torn What girl are you going to ask
backpack tonight to the dance? (to a boy)

She is only bothering you Would you girls like me to get

because she likes you (to a boy) out the jump ropes for recess?

Which one of you boys wants to Are you playing house? Who is
be the captain and pick teams? the mom and who is the dad?

Let’s have a ‘buy a date’ You have landed on the get

fundraiser and girls can buy married space. Here is your
guys to take them on a date husband (to a girl while playing
Life)

Today we are going to have a I will meet you at the man-made

visit from some firemen who are lake after school to go
going to teach us about saving swimming
people