Have you noticed folks specifying their pronouns?
The English language uses gender-specific third-person singular pronouns (he and she). For people whose sex assigned at birth does not align with their gender identity, being mis-gendered with the wrong pronouns can feel disrespectful and invalidating. People who are gender non-binary may use a gender-neutral pronoun such as the singular ‘they’.
![Example of signature block that includes specification of pronouns: Addison Blake, M.Sc., Predoctoral Fellow (she, her, hers)](/sites/g/files/xnrzdm236/files/styles/cgov_article/public/cgov_image/media_image/2020-12/Inclusivity-pronoun-examples.png?h=69952240&itok=4WTV-hIY)
People with diverse gender identities and gender expressions may add pronouns to their social media profile, email signature, or Zoom name to avoid being mis-gendered. Displaying pronouns more universally promotes inclusivity and normalizes the practice. Further, it can serve as a reminder that assumptions shouldn’t be made about gender identity and demonstrates one’s willingness to learn and use someone else’s pronouns.
To learn more:
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity Center at the University of Maryland has a resource page on Good Practices related to names and pronouns
- There may be new pronouns you haven’t heard of! To read more, refer to this UC Davis resource on Pronouns