Pronouns... The low down | LGBTQ+ HM
What’s a pronoun?
Pronouns are used in place of a proper noun (like someone’s name). We use pronouns most often when referring to someone without using their name.
Why does it matter?
In English, the most used pronouns (he/she) specifically refer to a person’s gender. For queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and transgender people, these pronouns may not fit, can create discomfort, and can cause stress and anxiety.
The issue boils down to inclusion and belonging. Of course, we should all be respectful of others and their identities. And that, of course, does mean calling people by their preferred pronouns.
A recent study showed that in transgender youth, using correct pronouns and names reduces depression and suicide risks.
Having trouble understanding why this would upset someone? Think about your pronoun (it’s probably “he” or “she”). Now imagine someone calling you the one you don’t think of yourself as.
Most commonly used pronouns
He/Him, His, Himself
She/Her, Hers, Herself
They/Them, Theirs, themself
Ze (or Zie), Zee (pronounced like “see” with a “Z”)., Can also be spelled as xe.
Some people don’t want to use pronouns at all and will ask you to refer to them by their name alone.
Why Respecting Pronouns Is So Important
In current events today, The Trevor Project's Sam Brinton sat down with NowThis News to explain a bit about gender-specific and gender-neutral pronouns and why pronouns are important to LGBTQ+ people. Brinton's gender identity is nonbinary and their preferred pronouns are they/their/them. Acknowledging someone's gender expression and using their gender pronoun preferences are all about respect.)
A bit of history around pronouns
Gender neutral pronouns are a hot topic in our country today—which begs the question, why are English pronouns gendered in the first place? Amanda Montell gives an intriguing lesson on the history of English to help us find out.
Inclusivity happening in other languages
Inclusive Spanish: A Simple Guide to Using & Understanding Lenguaje Inclusivo
