As a person who writes things on the internet for a living, I am constantly self-conscious of how my words, tweets, Facebook posts, and emails will be read.

But, as a non-transgender, straight male, I simply do not have the experience or perspective to always catch when my privilege is interfering with my editorial process — which could not have hit me harder than when Grantland published “Dr. V’s Magical Putter.” (If you haven’t followed this story, I would recommend this as a primer.)

That’s why I do my best to follow this simple procedure any time I’m writing about issues where I don’t have personal experience:

• Take ownership to learn about the issues. The recent Katie Couric interview with transgender model Carmen Carrera and transgender actor Laverne Cox being a shining example.
• Make sure others are reading my work. Someone who can look at it through a different lens and can ensure that my language is that of inclusion and respect.
• Consult any relevant style guides or materials. For writing about transgender issues in particular the GLAAD’s transgender media reference guide is helpful. While it is made for journalists, I would recommend it as a good read for anyone writing for public consumption.
• Question myself. For example, if I inserted Asian American instead of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender in a statement would I still like how it was written? Am I writing in a language of inclusivity instead of marginalization?

We all need to be better. We cannot assume we will always use the right language or be able to put ourselves in one another’s shoes.

This was originally published on the NOI blog here.

Eric Ming is Digital Manager at the New Organizing Institute. Thanks to Vincent Paolo Villano for his help and guidance in writing.