Pronouns
Pronouns are words that we use to refer to people when we’re not using their name. Pronouns are a special part of the English language as they are often used to indicate a person’s gender. For many people, when their gender identity and gender expression fall closely within traditional norms of masculinity and femininity, most people assume the appropriate ‘he’ or ‘she’.
Some other individuals may present their gender identity or expression ambiguously, causing traditional assumptions about gender to be incorrect.
For many trans and gender people, having people know and use correct and affirming pronouns is an important and validating part of their gender affirmation
It is important to respect people's pronouns. You can't always know what someone's pronouns are by looking at them. Asking and correctly using someone's pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for gender identity.
GENDERED PRONOUNS
She and He are gendered pronouns. She is typically used by female-identifying people. Similarly, He is typically used by male-identifying people.
Both of these are sometimes used by people who don’t identify as male or female.
GENDER NEUTRAL PRONOUNS
They, them, theirs are common gender neutral pronouns. These are basically pronouns that don’t imply ‘male’ or ‘female’. Gender neutral pronouns are typically used by gender diverse and non-binary identifying people.
There are lots of other gender neutral pronouns. They can take a bit of getting used to, but it’s important to use the right ones. If you’re not sure, just politely ask.
MULTIPLE PRONOUNS
People can also use multiple or mixed pronouns, He/They or She/They. This is an invitation to use any of they options with the pronoun listed first usually signalling their main pronoun. Sometime Non-Binary, Genderfluid or Genderqueer people will say Any or All pronouns which means they are happy to be address with any pronoun ie. He/She/They.
WHY THEY’RE IMPORTANT
Pronouns are a key part of someone’s gender expression and it affirms their gender identity. By using and sharing pronouns your creating an inclusive environment for trans and gender diverse people.
Misgendering is a term used to describe intentionally using incorrect pronouns about or towards a person. It can happen as an accident, and that's okay. But when it happens intentionally, it's hurtful and can be damaging.
It’s not always easy to come out and tell people you’re trans* or that prefer a new set of pronouns, so using the right ones really is a big deal and a pretty awesome thing.
GENITALS ≠ GENDER
This is probably the biggest mistake you can make.
It’s an easy assumption to make accidentally, but genitals and bodies in general don’t reflect anything about a person’s pronouns or gender identity.
NEOPRONOUNS
Neopronouns are a category of new (neo) pronouns that are increasingly used in place of “she,” “he,” or “they” when referring to a person. Neopronouns can be used by anyone, though most often they are used by transgender, non-binary, and/or gender nonconforming people.
Some young people prefer to use the neopronoun It/Its, reclaiming the once derogative term similar to Queer.