Here’s What You Can Do to be More Inclusive in Your Everyday Life

Every June, people across the globe unite and celebrate in honor of Pride Month, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in the United States, an event that catalyzed today’s LGBTQ rights movement globally.

Apart from the vibrant, festive, and joyous parades and parties, Pride Month is a unique and stark reminder not only for the LGBTQ community but also for everyone of how we should never stop learning about and embracing the beauty of our differences.

Social media is a great place to start. It has enabled us to boldly, loudly, and freely express our identity and show who we really are to the world. Hence, we should be responsible with what we do or share online to make sure we’re helping to cultivate a more inclusive space where everyone is respected for who they are. 

They say small things make a big difference. So, here’s what you can do to be more inclusive in your everyday life, starting with your digital footprint and own device.

1. Practice and promote inclusive language

Words are powerful both in speech and in writing, whether online or offline. Choose to use gender-neutral terms like “folks” instead of “dudes,” “guys,” or “gals.” Avoid biased expressions such as “throws like a girl.” Using inclusive language helps ensure that anyone coming across your online presence does not feel demeaned, excluded, or discriminated against.

2. Understand and respect people’s preferred gender pronouns

It’s absolutely fine to ask people about their preferred gender pronouns. Whether it is he, she, they, or zie, addressing people by their preferred gender pronouns shows respect. Social media giants like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn rolled out pronoun options to be displayed on user profiles (bravo!), so take advantage of that as well!

3. Avoid assumptions and stereotypes

“Men are better as doctors, while women are more suited as nurses.” “Only moms can take care of children at home.” “If you’re Asian, you must be good at math.” These are some examples of societal assumptions and stereotypes, and it’s important to be mindful of these when we create content or join conversations, especially online. Avoid stereotyping anyone and always see people for who they really are.

4. Make recordings, transcripts, closed captions, or subtitles available

With activities like meetings, classes, and workshops getting more and more accessible online, things like recordings, transcripts, or closed captions should be available by default in view of the audience’s various needs. These tools can be really helpful for, say, people who are hard of hearing or audiences who might need English or localized translations.. Indeed, inclusion is essentially about making sure everyone feels comfortable and included.

5. Stay open and curious, and continuously educate yourself

Last but not least, keep an open mind. Try not to make any judgments about anyone without complete knowledge of who they are. Do not let our differences tear us apart. Instead, they should bring us closer together and open up opportunities to learn more about each other and the world around us.

As a global company, Dell Technologies believe that diversity is power, and we are all responsible for creating a workplace where everyone can succeed. In fact, Dell Technologies has received the perfect score of 100 points in this area and has been recognized as Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign for 17 consecutive years.

“Our way forward is paved in our understanding that we must hold ourselves accountable for making Dell Technologies a place where all can thrive as their authentic selves.” — Vanice Hayes, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dell Technologies.

Moreover, at the Dell Technologies Summit in November 2019, we have announced Progress Made Real — our social impact goals and plan for 2030 — to create a positive and lasting impact by advancing sustainability, cultivating inclusion, and transforming lives around the world, all while upholding ethics and integrity and our commitment to equal employment opportunity for all. 

“I am optimistic about what we’ve built at Dell, of our culture that’s designed to support every team member in reaching their full potential, and of our vision for where we’re going. I’ve always believed diversity is power. It’s how we win and win the right way.” — Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO, Dell Technologies.

Learn more about how Dell Technologies drives culture, equity, and belongingness here.