Visibility

/ˌvɪzəˈbɪləti/ noun

Definition

Visibility is how easily something can be seen, or how much attention or public notice a person or issue receives.

Etymology

From Late Latin “visibilitas,” from “visibilis,” meaning “that can be seen,” from “vidēre,” meaning “to see.” It first referred to physical sight and later to social and political attention.

Kelly Says

Airports measure visibility in meters, but social movements measure it in headlines and hashtags. The same word connects what your eyes can’t miss with what society can’t ignore.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

"Visibility" is often used in discussions about how women and gender-diverse people are represented in media, leadership, and public life. Historically, women's and LGBTQ+ people's contributions have been rendered invisible or marginalized.

Inclusive Usage

Use "visibility" to discuss representation across all genders, and when relevant, acknowledge whose visibility has been limited or contested and why.

Inclusive Alternatives

["representation","public presence","recognition"]

Empowerment Note

Movements for women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights have emphasized visibility as a strategy for challenging erasure and changing cultural norms.

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