Making assumptions about someone’s gender identity can often lead to exclusion and harm. Learning to ask for and use someone’s pronouns is a small step in treating 2SLGBTQI people with decency and respect. To affirm someone’s right to be addressed the way they want to be is a simple step in boosting mental health. Inclusive pronoun usage is a step towards inclusion and cultivating a safer space for 2SLGBTQI people. (Egale Canada)
Find resources, history, and other information regarding the importance of using correct pronouns here!
Why Correct Pronoun Use Matters
Using someone’s correct pronouns is a simple, powerful act of respect. It shows people—especially those who are transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, or gender nonconforming—that they are seen and belong.
For cisgender people, pronouns may feel straightforward. For others, being misgendered can be common and painful, increasing dysphoria, emotional harm, and discrimination.
Honoring pronouns is an easy, meaningful way to create safety, dignity, and inclusion.
If You Misgender Someone: The A.C.M. Method:
- Apologize briefly: Acknowledge the mistake without overexplaining or shifting emotional labor.
- Correct: Use the correct pronoun right away: “Her pronouns are she/her. She went to the bank.”
- Move on: Continue without dwelling on the error.
Common Pronouns and Meanings
He/Him/His/Himself: Traditionally associated with men and masculine gender expression, though anyone may use them. Example: “He is working on his project.
She/Her/Hers/Herself: Traditionally associated with women and feminine gender expression, though anyone may use them. Example: “She is reading her book.
They/Them/Theirs/Themself: A common gender-neutral singular pronoun used by non-binary, gender non-conforming, or any individual. Example: “They left their jacket behind.”
Combinations (e.g., she/they or he/they): Indicates that a person is comfortable with and accepts multiple sets of pronouns.
Neopronouns (gender-neutral alternatives) are newer or alternative sets of pronouns that do not rely on standard gendered terms:
Ze/Zir/Zirs (or Xe/Xem/Xyrs): Pronounced like “zee” for the subject and “here” (with a z) for the object. Example: “Ze is writing zir report.”
Sie/Hir/Hirs: Pronounced like “see” and “here”. Example: “Sie called hir friend.”
Name Only: Some individuals prefer not to use pronouns at all and ask to be addressed solely by their name.
Becoming More Confident with Pronouns
Many of us learned only she/he pronouns growing up. Building comfort with they/them and neopronouns takes practice—reading aloud, using them in low-stakes moments, and trying them out until they feel natural.
Correct pronoun use is foundational allyship: it signals care, reduces harm, and supports greater safety and belonging.
Summary of Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right by Michael Bach
Birds of All Feathers argues that diversity and inclusion go beyond quotas or compliance; they create workplaces where people feel respected, valued, and able to contribute. Michael Bach shows that organizations thrive when they intentionally build inclusive cultures that embrace difference.
Using the metaphor of birds with different feathers, Bach explains that people bring unique identities, experiences, and perspectives to work. He urges leaders to go beyond good intentions by addressing bias, challenging assumptions, using inclusive language, and creating equitable opportunities.
A central theme is that inclusion is an ongoing practice, not a one-time initiative. Bach offers practical tools for examining behaviours, policies, and culture, stressing curiosity, humility, accountability, and continuous learning.
Ultimately, Birds of All Feathers presents diversity and inclusion as human and organizational strengths that drive belonging, innovation, collaboration, and success.
The History of Pronouns, highlights that using a person’s correct pronouns is about treating people with dignity, respect, and inclusion. It reminds us that gender-neutral pronouns are not a new concept, citing the Daily Arkansas Gazette (1882), the Semi-Weekly Eagle (1852), and William and the Werewolf (1375), which demonstrate that discussions about gender-neutral language—and the use of singular “they”—have existed for centuries. The article also references linguist Ben Zimmer (The New York Times), who notes that changes in language can be challenging because they touch on deeply held beliefs. Finally, it points to the McDonough County Voice, which discusses the harm caused by misgendering, and notes that platforms such as Instagram (reported by The Guardian and CBS News) have introduced pronoun features as one way to foster more respectful and inclusive communication.
Familiarise yourself with this Pronoun Usage Quick guide here.
Understanding Pronouns
At SSUC, creating a welcoming and inclusive community means respecting how people identify and how they wish to be addressed.
What is a pronoun?
Pronouns are words we use to refer to people, such as she/her, he/him, or they/them. Some people also use neopronouns, such as xe/xir or ze/zir.
Why do pronouns matter?
Being repeatedly called by the wrong pronoun can be uncomfortable and hurtful. Using someone’s chosen name and pronouns is a simple way to show respect and affirm their identity.
A few simple tips:
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Don’t assume someone’s pronouns based on appearance.
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When appropriate, ask: “What pronouns do you use?”
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Consider sharing your own pronouns when introducing yourself.
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Practice using someone’s correct pronouns.
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If you make a mistake, simply apologize, correct yourself, and move on.
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Gently correct others if they make a mistake.
Respect starts with listening, learning, and being intentional about how we address one another.