How to Use Inclusive Language in Spanish: A Guide for Pride Month and Beyond

Inclusivity isn’t just a value — it’s a lifeline.

In a moment when ICE raids are instilling fear in immigrant communities and calls for conformity drown out individuality, Pride Month reminds us of the radical power of being seen. Pride is a celebration of self-expression — of living out loud, loving fully, and honoring every facet of who we are.

It’s not just about gender or who we love. It’s about reclaiming our right to exist without erasure — as queer, trans, bilingual, undocumented, bicultural, or any combination of identities that make us whole.

And language is part of that. Especially for those of us who live in two worlds, who code-switch mid-sentence, and who seek words that reflect our truth. In Spanish, where gendered grammar runs deep, inclusive language becomes more than a choice — it becomes an act of visibility, of solidarity, and of hope.

So, how do we use inclusive language — thoughtfully, respectfully, and en español? Here’s a guide to navigating gender neutrality in today’s marketing landscape, especially for brands that believe in the power of authenticity, culture, and comunidad.

A 2022 Axios poll found that 11% of Latinx adults self-identify as LGBTQ+, the highest compared to 6.2% of non-Hispanic white adults and 6.5% of Black American adults.

What Exactly Is Inclusive Language — and Why Should Brands Care?

Inclusive language is the intentional use of words that respect and reflect the identities, experiences, and cultures of all people — without reinforcing bias, exclusion, or stereotypes.

In practice, inclusive language avoids gendered assumptions (like using “they” instead of “he/she”), replaces outdated or harmful terms, and adapts to the ways people self-identify — whether that’s in English, Spanish, Spanglish, or something in between.

 And in Spanish, where grammar itself is gendered, inclusive language becomes even more layered — using endings like “-x,” “-e,” or “@” to include those who don’t fit neatly into “Latino” or “Latina.”

Inclusive language isn't about just swapping words. It’s about creating space and visibility:

🌈 For gender identities beyond the binary.

🌎 For cultures and dialects that have been erased or overlooked.

🗣️ For communities whose stories deserve to be heard on their own terms.

Because even if grammar has rules, belonging shouldn’t.

Inclusivity Isn’t a Trend — It’s Brand Survival

In today’s hyperconnected world, brands no longer speak into a void — they speak into lived experiences. Globalization hasn’t just expanded our reach; it’s widened our responsibility to reflect the diversity of the people we serve.

Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are rewriting the rules of identity. They reject rigid binaries, embrace nuance, and expect the brands they support to do the same. According to a 2018 McKinsey study, Gen Z values authenticity, individuality, and social consciousness — especially when it comes to gender and self-expression.

Language is where that expectation shows up first. And while inclusive language may seem like a small shift, it signals something big: that your brand sees, respects, and reflects the world as it really is. Get it wrong, and you risk alienating the very communities you're trying to connect with.

What does inclusividad look like?

Inclusivity can read, look, or sound different for everyone. Brands who understand their audiences, including their values and backgrounds, can make apt, well-informed choices on the words that will resonate. Here are some of the most common inclusive terms you can incorporate into your brand.

Want to be more inclusive in Spanish?

Here's a simple guide to help you speak to inclusive audiences en español.

Category	Gender-Neutral Options	Gender-Based Options
Personal Pronouns	elle, elles, ell@s, ellxs	él, ella, ellos, ellas
Direct Object Pronouns	l@s, lxs (for people only — not objects)	los, las
Identity Terms	Latinx, Latine, Latin@	Latino, Latina
General Terms for Groups	todxs, tod@s, todes	todos, todas

🌟 Pro Tip: Stick with one gender-neutral form across your campaign. If you use “Latinx” in one headline and “Latine” in another, it can feel inconsistent.

What the Language Gatekeepers Are Saying

Even as inclusive language gains traction in our communities, not every institution is on board — and that tension is part of the conversation.

🇪🇸 Real Academia Española (RAE)

The RAE, often seen as the guardian of the Spanish language, weighed in on inclusive forms like Latinx, Latine, and Latin@ — and, unsurprisingly, gave them the side-eye. In a 2020 statement, the RAE advised against using characters like -x, -e, or -@ in formal writing, citing that they “lack linguistic validity.”

They also discourage gender duplications — like “los chicos y las chicas” — arguing that the masculine form “los chicos” already covers mixed groups. But as many of us know, just because it’s grammatically accepted doesn’t mean it’s culturally inclusive.

📰 Associated Press (AP) Stylebook

On this side of the Atlantic, the AP — the go-to guide for U.S. journalists — leans more progressive. AP Style champions gender-neutral, non-sexist language wherever possible. That means saying “firefighter” instead of “fireman,” and being mindful of terms that reinforce binary thinking.

As for our community? AP recognizes Latino, Latina, and Latinx — with a preference for Latino/Latina, unless the individual or organization specifically uses Latinx or Latine. In other words, let your subject lead the language.

Nearly half (47%) say they have heard of Latinx, up from 23% who said the same in 2019.

So... Should Your Brand Say Latinx?

Let’s be real: language shapes identity — but identity isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Inclusive branding isn’t just about what you say — it’s about how your audience hears it. And when it comes to terms like Latinx, not everyone’s listening the same way.

Some love it. Some reject it. Some have never even heard of it. In fact, a 2024 Pew Research study found that while 47% of U.S. Hispanics are familiar with the term “Latinx,” only 4% actually use it to describe themselves.

Even LULAC — the League of United Latin American Citizens — officially dropped “Latinx” from internal use, citing disconnect with its base. Critics argue it’s an anglicized imposition that clashes with Spanish grammar and cultural norms.

So why keep using it? Because for many, Latinx is a lifeline — a way to say “I’m here” without having to choose a gendered box. It’s visible on college campuses, in activist circles, in media, and in spaces that value gender-expansive identities.

Here’s a closer look at who is using the term:

• 📊 7% of Latinos ages 18–29

• 🎓 5% of college-educated Latinxs

• 🗣️ 4% of bilingual speakers

• 🗳️ 4% of Democrats or Democratic-leaning Latinxs

• 🏠 6% of U.S.-born Latinxs (vs. 2% of immigrant Latinxs)

• 🌈13% of lesbian, gay, or bisexual Latinxs

• 👩🏾 9% of Afro-Latinxs

The point? There’s no one “right” word — only the right fit for your audience.

So ask yourself: What language makes my audience feel seen, respected, and heard? Because inclusive language isn’t about checking a box — it’s about opening a door.

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Unsure where to start? We’ve got you. Whether you’re “todxs” or “todos,” we can help you find a voz that feels like home. 📩