Our gender identity comes with the pronouns we want to be referred by. A change in gender identity means a change in pronouns. Being considerate of someone’s pronouns lets them know you respect them as a person.
The Trevor Project reports that transgender and nonbinary youth who report having their pronouns respected by all or most of the people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.
Accidentally misgendering someone can happen, but before assuming, just ask!
How do you ask?
- ”What pronouns do you use?”
- ”What pronouns would you like for me to use?”
| PRONOUNS | IN A SENTENCE | PRONUNCIATION |
|---|---|---|
| SHE/HER/HERS | She wants you to use her pronouns | |
| HE/HIM/HIS | He wants you to use his pronouns | |
| ZE/HIR | Ze wants you to use hir pronouns | Listen here |
| THEY/THEM/THEIRS | They want you to use their pronouns | |
| CO/COS | Co wants you to use cos pronouns | |
| NO PRONOUN/NAME (USER THE PERSON’S NAMES INSTEAD OF A PRONOUN) | ___ (name) wants to use ___ (name) pronouns | |
| XE/XEM/XYR | Xe wants you to use xem pronouns |
Table from Why Pronouns Are Important (lakeforest.edu)
Gender inclusive practices:
• Use inclusive, non-discriminatory language.
• Make gender visible when it is relevant for communication.
◦ Provide your gender pronouns on your name tag.
◦ Include your pronouns in your email signature.
• Only ask for sex or gender on applications if it’s critical or necessary information.
It can take time to get someone’s pronouns right. Apologize if you make a mistake and try your best to correct it. Remember, respecting someone means also respecting their pronouns.
For more information about pronouns, check out the following resources:
• What Are Pronouns? Why Do They Matter? ”” MyPronouns.org Resources on Personal Pronouns
• What Are Pronouns and Why Do They Matter? | University of Utah Health
• Why Pronouns Are Important (lakeforest.edu)
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