What's wrong with the word inmate?
You may be asking yourself, what's wrong with using the word inmate? Maybe you even found us by searching for send photos to inmates. At Pelipost, we respect the experiences of incarcerated people and their families because we have lived it from both sides. We are committed to building a more compassionate, inclusive environment for families affected by incarceration. That includes the language we use.
The word inmate defines a person by one part of their life. It carries stigma and implications that our community has told us feel hurtful and dehumanizing. That is why we are working to remove it from our vocabulary.
Person-first language promotes respect and humanity
Person-first language prioritizes someone's identity over their circumstance. It acknowledges dignity by putting the person before the label. That matters everywhere, and it matters especially when talking about people impacted by the criminal justice system.
For families, using person-first language can cut through stigma and encourage empathy. Calling someone an incarcerated loved one instead of an inmate says: they are more than this chapter, and our relationship still counts.
This language also shifts focus from punishment toward rehabilitation and support. It can reduce the shame and isolation families often feel. It can open room for hope.
What about Love Your Inmate Day?
We renamed it. Global Incarcerated Loved One Day is celebrated annually on August 8th. Same spirit. Better language. More inclusive of our community around the world.
The easiest way to celebrate is to send photos through the Pelipost app. You can also shop GILO Day merch at our Global Incarcerated Loved One Day online store. A portion of proceeds supports children of incarcerated parents through our Student of the Month Program.
Why do I still see the word on your website?
Honest answer: search. Many people looking for help still type in the words they know, like inmate, and we want them to find us. If we drop that word entirely from public pages, fewer families find the service when they need it. So for now, you will see it in a few places on our site. We are working on it, and we are grateful you are on this journey with us.