In that case, explain that people often assume that someone goes by “he” or “she” or another set of pronouns (e.g. If you are meeting someone new, you might say: “Hi, I’m Akeem, and I go by ‘they’ pronouns. How should I refer to you?” Of course, you may encounter someone who isn’t familiar with sharing personal pronouns. Doing so will help make other people more comfortable to share their pronouns with you. How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?įirst, make sure that you have shared your own pronouns. It can also be offensive or harassing to guess at someone's pronouns and refer to them using those pronouns if that is not how that person wants to be known.Įven worse, actively choosing to ignore the pronouns someone has stated that they use could imply the oppressive notion that intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people do not or should not exist. We all know it can be offensive or even harassing to make up a nickname for someone, and call them that nickname against their will.

This is similar to using a person's name can be a way to respect them. Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment.

Why is it important to respect people’s pronouns? Often, when speaking of a singular human in third person, these pronouns have a gender implied-“he” to refer to a man/boy or “she” to refer to a woman/girl. In English, whether we realize it or not, people frequently refer to one another using pronouns. What accommodations are available for Student-Athletes?.How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?.Why is it important to respect people's pronouns?.Adding Pronouns to Your Email Signature.Making Class Welcoming for Trans and Gender-Variant Students.Asking For and Using Pronouns: Making Spaces More Gender Inclusive.If you have other questions or want to learn more, please contact the Intercultural Center staff.Īssociate Director of Gender and Sexuality Initiatives/ Program Manager WRC There are also some frequently asked questions about gender pronouns. If there are questions or you do not see a pronoun with which you identify, please contact Tiffany Thompson, Associate Director of Gender and Sexuality Initiatives at you will find some resources to help you get started. By including their pronouns, asking questions when you are unsure, and learning about ways in which you can create these spaces in your own departments and classrooms, you become part of a welcoming environment. In order to be a more welcoming campus, we are adding pronouns to class rosters and advising databases. This also prevents assumptions from being made about a person’s gender identity, and, most importantly, fosters an affirming space for people's identities. By asking and using a person’s pronouns, you show respect for the diversity of gender identities and promote awareness of transgender and gender nonconforming communities. Using the right pronouns is an important part of respecting a person’s identity. Office: Hormel-Nguyen Intercultural Center 103

Tiffany Thompson, Associate Director of Gender & Sexuality Initiatives, IC / Program Manager for Women's Resource Center (WRC) To provide feedback or make recommendations, please contact us.

Non binary folx meaning