myGwork's Guide to Pronoun Etiquette
Why do Pronouns Matter?
Respecting pronouns is one of the most basic acts of decency a person can observe when talking to, and about, others. This is especially the case when referring to and interacting with members of the trans and nonbinary community, and one of the easiest things you can do as an ally is to consider, observe, and use others' pronouns. In studies, up to 32% of trans people felt stigmatized when referred to using the wrong pronouns. As an ally, you can help by making sure you use the right pronouns, but also by normalizing sharing your own pronouns, so that trans and non-binary people aren't singled out and forced to feel different. To find out more about why pronouns matter, you can read our full article here.
Example Pronouns and How to Use Them
he/him/his - masculine pronouns
she/her/hers - feminine pronouns
they/them/theirs - nonbinary, or gender nonconforming pronouns
Some people also use neopronouns, such as ze/zie/zir, to refer to themselves. To find out more about neopronouns, you can read all about it here.
You use pronouns when referring to someone, or things they do. The rule is: if you're not using their name, you're using their pronouns!
He likes to watch television.
It belongs to her.
They love themself.
They were going to meet him so they could go to her party.
How Can I Use Pronouns to be a Better Ally?
As well as making sure to use people's pronouns, you can also make sure to share your own pronouns. By sharing your pronouns, people know how to refer to you, and you can help to normalize pronouns as part of an introduction. Rather than forcing trans and nonbinary people to feel as though they have to share their pronouns because it's expected of them, you can create a culture whereby sharing your pronouns is just another part of an being introduced to others.
Hello, my name is Jenny, and my pronouns are she/her.
Hello Jenny! My name is Adrian, and my pronouns are they/them!
Where Can I use Pronouns?
In this increasingly digital era, there are so many places you can use your pronouns to help normalize it.
Email Signatures
Including your pronouns at the end of your email signature is a great way to share them. Immediately, anyone receiving an email from you knows how to refer to you.
Social Media
We meet and interact with so many people across social media platforms, every day. Including your pronouns in your name or bio can immediately inform people about your identity, and make them aware of how you prefer to be referred to as.
Zoom
Video calls are such a big part of how we work now and it takes seconds to add your pronouns to your name so that people can talk to you during meetings in a more inclusive manner.
To find out more, you can check out resources such as LGBT Resource Center.
