International Pronouns Day

Recently we have seen lots of debate and discussion in the media and online in relation to the use and importance of gender pronouns.

Despite what many tabloids say about gender pronouns, these aren’t new and have been around for hundreds of years. We all use pronouns in our everyday lives to identify or refer to someone and/ or their possessions (did you notice the pronoun we just used?).

A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. Examples: he, she, it, they, someone, who. Pronouns can do all of the things that nouns can do. They can be subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, object of the preposition, and more.

Describing people as ‘he’ or ‘she’, groups of people as ‘they’ or ‘them’, as well as inanimate things as ‘it’ is something we all do every day. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What some people may not know is there are many valid gender-neutral pronouns that are becoming increasingly common. This would include the use of the singular ‘they’ or ‘ze’. An extensive list of more English gender-neutral pronouns in use are available on the non-binary wiki.

By using gender-neutral pronouns we’re not associating the person we’re speaking about with a specific gender identity.

Using gender-neutral pronouns means we don’t associate the person we’re talking about with a specific gender. Sex does not pre-determine a person’s gender and many people’s gender doesn’t sit comfortably with the sex they were assigned at birth. The easiest way to learn what pronouns someone uses is just to politely ask them (“Hey, what pronouns do you use?”). It might take some getting used to, but it causes you no harm and using the right pronouns for someone will make them feel acknowledged and valid.

When at work, you can take the lead by saying your pronouns when you introduce yourself at the start of a meeting. Not only will this encourage your colleagues to do the same, but it will help everyone get used to talking about pronouns, which will help trans people feel more comfortable to do the same. It is now common in many inclusive spaces to start the meeting with a ‘pronounaround’ so that everyone is able to share their desired pronouns with the group (this is still important with groups that meet regularly as an individual may have changed their pronouns).

Including pronouns in your e-mail signature

Including pronouns in e-mail signatures is another great way to show that you and your team is committed to trans equality:

• This helps people respectfully refer to one another.
• It helps colleagues avoid mistakes, like misgendering someone which can be especially hurtful for trans people but also embarrassing for non-trans people.
• It can be a great tool for visibly demonstrating trans allyship both internally across the University and externally.

If you want to start including pronouns in your e-mail signatures, here are some practical steps for how you can do this:

• Communicate that you are going to start including pronouns in e-mail signatures, speak to colleagues and your team and explain to them the reason why. (You could send them a link to this blog post)
• Including pronouns in e-mail signatures should be encouraged, but not be made compulsory as not everyone may feel comfortable sharing their pronouns. There are many different reasons for this and it may be true for both cis and trans staff. (This should also be remembered when verbally introducing pronouns at the start of meetings.)
• You could also include a link to this blog post or a webpage that gives a definition of pronouns. For example: Pronouns: She/ Her

It’s worth remembering that the phrase ‘preferred pronouns’ is no longer used. Terms like this make it sound like someone’s gender is up for debate.

Intentionally using the wrong pronouns for someone repeatedly is a hurtful form of misgendering.

It’s important to note that we’re human and we all make mistakes. So, if you get someone’s pronouns wrong please quickly apologise and correct yourself. You can also show solidarity with someone who uses pronouns that others may mistake by politely correcting someone who has used the wrong pronoun even when the person isn’t there.

If you use a pronoun that some people may not automatically assume for you please remember to not compromise on them. Ask people to use them. Everyone who cares about you and wants to be part of your life will get there.

Further information can be found on Stonewalls The Truth About Trans page and the My Pronouns and International Pronouns Day websites.

 

_{(This blog has been composed using information from Stonewall, My Pronouns and International Pronouns Day)}