Identity-First and People-First Language

We are not going to solve any debates today. It’s not possible.

Debates about language related to disability and neurodivergence are common.

Let’s unpack one of the spiciest ongoing debates that impacts many minority communities: Identity-First Language versus People-First Language.

We’re going to look at identity-first versus person-first language. We’ll start with definitions.

💬 Identity-first language - Viewing one’s diversity, including disability, as an identity. Identity-first language treats an aspect of the person as a core part of their identity.

💬 People-first language - The refocus away from seeing a trait or disability as an identity. Person-first language emphasizes the person first and their traits as secondary.

Below are some examples of identity-first and person-first language.

Identity-First Language is about leading with your identity—whether it’s related to race, sexuality, neurodivergence, or disability. It allows individuals to express who they are, proudly and authentically, without feeling the need to soften or hide their differences. This language reflects the power of owning one’s identity as an integral part of their being.

Kate Griggs of Made by Dyslexia promotes) both dyslexic thinking as a trait and identity-first language, claiming that “we are not people with Dyslexia; we are dyslexics, proud of our dyslexia and our brilliant dyslexic thinking.”

However, one of the reasons people are drawn to people-first language is because they don’t see themselves as being defined by their disability or trait. The American Psychological Association released a inclusive language guide stating their preference for people-first language.

There is no consensus on “correct” language, and trying to get the terms right can feel stressful.

The debate is an old one, and one that the disability communtity has faced numerous times before. The term Deaf (with the uppercase D) refers to a cultural identity within a community while deaf (with the lowercase D) refers to a medical condition of hearing loss, as well as the term “hard of hearing” and “hearing impaired.”

The autism community has a spectrum of identity terms within the people first umbrella depending on how much one wishes to tie their identity to a diagnosis.

On the identity side, the autism label becomes a new group identity under the term “Autist,” with those not in the group labeled as “Allistic.” In the middle, neurospicy is non-specific about a diagnosis but reflects an identity. In a recent roundtable, we had a debate about if the term is too tribal or insulting.

The Autism Survey also has some great stats on language preferences, including how those preferences have changed over time. The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook, which has a chapter on language use regarding autism and disability generally, advise using identity-first language in pretty much all instances. I personally prefer People-First as traits seem more helpful as a leader than diagnostic labels.

Using the Right Language at Work

We have bad news for those wanting a simple answer. We must hold space for both types of language at work.

The language that we use the workplace can set the tone for inclusivity and respect. When we do it right, we encourage authenticity and reducing the cognitive load of masking.

Is using the wrong language disabling? Some say that the definition of disability is if it creates a barrier in one’s daily life. One can argue that in most work scenarios, the stakes are low. It shouldn’t matter what language we use if we have good intentions. Like using the wrong pronoun, using identity-first language instead of people-first language can be a faux pax if handled gracefully or a slight if handled defensively. What matters most is a will and energy to try to understand your colleagues.

The best practice? Listen.

If an employee discusses their neurodivergence or other identities, pay attention to what they use. And if you are still not sure, ask if they prefer identity or people first language.

Picking What’s Right For You

How do you want to be seen in this world?

The answer depends on personal preference, community, location, and many other factors. Different communities have different preferences; language use varies between countries and across time.

Someone might prefer identity-first language because it can reflect how powerful it is to own your identity. Many people associate identity-first language with:

• Self-expression

• Pride

• Authenticity

• Celebrating differences

Another individual might prefer person-first language because they don’t see themselves as defined by a specific trait or want to deemphasize a stigmatized part of their experience. People have multiple intersecting identities, and those who use person-first language often do so because it:

• Focuses on people

• Can be more formal

• Avoids labeling someone by a condition or diagnosis

Many disability communities in the U.S. use identity-first language. This preference reflects a long history of disability rights activism and attempts to fight discrimination and mistreatment.

The preference may also stem from America’s individualistic attitudes and civil rights movements, which encouraged identity-first language because it can challenge stigma, celebrate authenticity, and promote pride. Having an identity-first language has been empowering, builds community, and asserts that a trait is a core part of someone’s identity, not a characteristic separate from the individual.

However, person-first language remains popular in some communities in the U.S. and countries outside the U.S. The intellectual disability community, for example, tends to use person-first language.

My Identity Journey

I am often asked “Where are you from?”

For years, I have introduced myself: “Hi, I’m Shaun from LA” (which ended up becoming my social handle). Yet so many people are not satisfied with that answer. I would often get a follow-up question, “no really, where are you from, like where were you born?” Ugh. The answer is still Los Angeles, but they are fishing for something different. Perhaps they think guessing people’s identity is a game and they don’t want to be wrong. The bold and daring few may take a third attempt, “where are your parents from.” At this point I can mention India, though that part of history can be complicated as my father grew up in a part of the country that is now Pakistan. If the person made it this far, I often discover that their true objective is to tell me that they know something about India such as “my neighbor went last year and said the food was lovely.” It makes them feel so worldly.

Scenarios like this are on the decline, but sill happen roughly once a month.

Yes, I present visually as South Asian, but it’s near the bottom on my list of identities. When I was growing up, my family felt pressure to norm with the WASP community around us and worked hard to deemphasize any South Asian heritage. It’s no wonder I have a mistrust of ethnic identity labels. Identity is complicated.

During my coach training, I was asked to list my identities. I stopped at 40. Some of the strongest pieces of my identity are:

• Californian

• Caring parent and partner doing his best in service of those he loves

• Strategic operations leader uncovering and removing friction

• Lifelong learner

I also have an autism diagnosis that was hiding in plain sight from me for decades. I have ADHD traits and no diagnosis, making me reluctant to claim that identity.

These days, when someone asks me to tell them about myself, I can state with confidence that I’m a Californian autistic family person of sorta South Asian heritage and some ADHD traits but not enough and whose complex personal and professional life could fill a page.

Or not, lol.

Yet, deepening my understanding of my identities has been useful externally as I uncover ways to make that information valuable for others.

When someone asks me to tell them about myself, I can pick from a menu of what could be most relatable in the moment, one that could be closest to finding a common ground or continuing a conversation that we would both enjoy.

So, what can you take away from all this?

1. I hope you understand identity-first and person-first language more deeply

2. Language evolves. People and groups of people use language differently.

3. When interacting one-on-one with another person, always use the terms they ask you to use, even if those differ from what you might expect.

4. When speaking or writing about a group of people, ask first. Look for a member of the group to guide you. If not possible, be prepared to get it wrong and also prepare a non-defensive response.