Pronouns 101: Things you need to know

If you’ve been using email in the past few years, you have probably noticed people including their pronouns (he/his, she/her, they/them) in their email signature.

It’s becoming a common thing in email signatures, on name tags and on social media and this is a great thing.

Pronouns are one of the most recognized ways of how people identify themselves and categorize their gender. It’s a way of telling people without verbally telling people how you should be addressed in this increasingly diverse world.

One of the great things about including your pronouns – even if you present to the world as your preferred gender – is that it normalizes it for others who might not feel safe or comfortable talking about gender.

Not everyone is comfortable or able to share their preferred pronouns – or maybe they are still figuring them out.

And it is important to note: Just because someone gives you their preferred pronouns doesn’t necessarily mean they identify as a particular gender. Some people who use she/her or he/him may still identify as non-binary (or in another way).

It all boils down to showing respect to one another and using someone’s preferred pronouns.

There isn’t any need for further questioning; respect the information you are given and then use it.

And while pronouns are important, it’s also fairly easy to use gender-neutral language when addressing groups.

This allows for a more welcoming and inclusive tone. Many languages are gendered and can be centered on men or the male experience. Think: Policeman, fireman, serviceman. So, when you use terms like serviceperson, chairperson or officer, you take the gender presumptions out of the equation – and you also set the tone that the space is truly for everyone.

Using the words, they or them, is also a good thing to practice, as it includes everyone.

Rice Education Consulting

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