Getting it right (and why it matters): Pronouns
‘Pronouns are very important, because literally everyone uses pronouns.’
To mark International Trans Visibility Day, members of the University LGBT+ Staff Network share their experiences with inclusive language and to discuss the importance of pronouns.
Q: For those who don’t know you, please can you introduce yourself?
A: Hi, I’m Rachel. My pronouns are she/they, I most identify with being non-binary specifically Gender Fae.
Q: Why are pronouns so important and what does it mean to you?
A: Pronouns are very important, because literally everyone uses pronouns. Normalising pronouns and people specifically stating their pronouns helps normalise and destigmatise it. Especially when cisgendered people do so.
Having cisgendered people openly state their pronouns helps the world feel safer for us trans and gender non-conforming people do so. This can be as simple as having your pronouns in your email signature.
I personally think pronouns should be talked about more. And pronouns as a whole educated about in a more easy to digest way. I have been called “family friendly queer” by quite a few of my friends and family, because I am feminine and approachable, and when asked I am very open about my pronouns and identity.
Most people see me as “woman” but I’m not. I don’t mind this most of the time, but other times I wish that wasn’t the perception. I feel like if pronoun sharing was more commonplace that it would make life safer and less dysphoric for everyone.
‘For many LGBTQ+ people it is simply just very affirming to have people around you seeing you for who you are, and referring to you as such.’
We also caught up with our LGBT+ Staff Network Co-Chair Jojie (he/they) for their thoughts on pronouns and what it means to them:
“As a non-binary person, acknowledging the importance of people’s preferred pronouns is very crucial to me. I believe one of the most basic forms of respect is to refer to one another as we have been asked to, it shows that we are open to getting to know each other and to further our understanding of who each other truly are. For many LGBTQ+ people it is simply just very affirming to have people around you seeing you for who you are, and referring to you as such.
It’s good to give people a chance to reflect and educate themselves as to why proper pronoun use is important to so many people. and hopefully will raise the awareness to help us all live in a world where we all have a little bit more respect for one another. A world where we choose to help one another achieve gender euphoria, rather than furthering any gender dysphoria”
Jojie (he/they)
