Pronouns Day
Gender pronouns are words that refer to the person you are addressing; they are how we refer to someone besides using their name. Addressing people by their preferred pronouns is a simple way to show respect for their gender identity.
While pronouns are helpful tools, many people use different pronouns in various situations, and some may not even use any pronouns at all.
Being aware and using correct pronouns at work not only fosters inclusion and makes a person feel valued, but it also creates a healthier and safe space so everyone can be their true selves in their work environment.
Using correct pronouns is a simple and essential.
Could your team use a refresher on pronoun use?
What is Pronouns Day?
Everyone is entitled to their own gender identity, and their name and pronouns should be addressed correspondingly. Gender pronouns It is part of someone’s gender expression, and people can have multiple sets of pronouns for themselves.
The pronouns that are most commonly used are “he, him, his'' and “she, her, hers.” Others may choose to use pronouns that are not based on binary male/female gender categorizations, which include “they/them,” “ze/zir,” other pronouns, or combinations of these pronouns.
International Pronouns Day began in 2018 and takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of October each year. According to the official website, this day “seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace,” with the goal of “transform[ing] society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.”
International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.
Importance of Pronouns
When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel discriminated against, unworthy, or unvalued. Words are powerful language tools that help to provide meaning and connection. Using words to refer to someone through their names and pronouns is very personal, so it is important always to show your genuine interest when addressing someone. It is also crucial that workplaces become more accustomed to and understand these realities.
In recent years, there has been a rise in support available to help individuals find their preferred language to identify as someone other than their assigned sex at birth. In these cases, more and more employees are entering the workforce feeling empowered to identify as transgender or gender non-conforming. It is important to use the correct pronouns with your colleagues because it is a way for you to portray that they are appreciated and are respected members of the team.
Ways to Promote Using Pronouns in the Workplace
Using pronouns is a huge factor in being an ally and is something minor to do but means the world to others. These actions are part of the bigger picture of creating inclusive and supportive communities for everyone. Here are ways that you can considerately promote using pronouns in the workplace:
Consider including your pronouns when introducing yourself, your email signature, and/or nametag at work to foster a culture of inclusivity. Keep note that for some LGBTQ+ people, sharing their pronouns may be a source of anxiety, do make sure that this practice is not mandatory.
Using your own pronouns when introducing yourself or in your email signature tells everyone that you are not going to make any assumptions on their gender identity. It also helps take the burden off of trans and non-binary folks who are constantly explaining their identity.
Gender pronouns can also be included in other areas, such LinkedIn profiles, Zoom profiles or Slack profiles
Incorporate neutral language in greetings. Instead of "Hey, guys!" or "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!", use “Hey, folks!” or "Welcome, everyone!" to make sure all participants feel acknowledged, safe, and included.
If you get someone's pronouns wrong - correct yourself and move on quickly - don't make a scene about it. Say "Thank you" instead of "I'm sorry" to own the responsibility for your mistake. Be mindful when you do make a mistake and make an active effort to practice using someone's correct pronouns as soon as possible.
Having to correct those who are misgendering constantly is exhausting for many transgender and non-binary people.
You can’t tell someone's gender just by looking at their appearance. When you are unsure of their gender pronouns, use "they, them, or their" wherever possible, as opposed to "him/he/his or she/her/hers" to be inclusive. Furthermore, some individuals do not use any pronouns and may ask to be referred to only by name or by a nickname. It’s important that you never assume that you know a person’s pronouns or whether a person uses pronouns.
Disclosing pronouns can be a source of anxiety, so always respect a person's privacy and journey around their gender identity. Although it is good to ask what pronouns or names a person uses, never force them to give you an answer. It is also important to never ask anyone about gender-affirming surgeries or medical transitioning status.
Not everyone is comfortable with sharing their full identities and personal stories, especially at work. Even if you hear that an employee has shared personal information and/or different pronouns with someone else at work, only use the pronouns that the person has shared with you.
Further Reading & Resources
Take a look at the following resources to gather a better understanding of gender identity, as well as hotlines and services available to reach out to.
Books and further websites to further educate yourself on gender identity
How to Welcome the LGBTQIA Community at Work
Being mindful of gender pronouns is a great first step to building gender inclusivity in the workplace. It is so simple, yet can bring a huge amount of awareness to something that many people may not have considered before.
Addressing a coworker by their correct pronoun can also foster a discussion on how to be an ally and will further educate people on why it’s so important to respect everyone’s identity.
Adding pronouns to simple but visible parts of your 'work-life' may be a small action, but it can completely transform your company to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.
