Add recommendation about terminology (#3079)
diff --git a/docs/development/submitting-patches.rst b/docs/development/submitting-patches.rst
index 475e703..63eed19 100644
--- a/docs/development/submitting-patches.rst
+++ b/docs/development/submitting-patches.rst
@@ -126,6 +126,11 @@
.. hazmat::
+Always prefer terminology that is most broadly accepted. For example:
+
+* When referring to class instances use "an instance of ``Foo``"
+ instead of "a ``Foo`` provider".
+
When referring to a hypothetical individual (such as "a person receiving an
encrypted message") use gender neutral pronouns (they/them/their).