There are suggestions below about how to do this in a school or classroom setting. If you don’t know what people’s pronouns and names are, you can listen to how they or others refer to them, or you can ask. If you use the wrong pronoun or name, people may not correct you because they may feel awkward, uncomfortable or unsafe. For many, these terms are limiting and confining so gender-neutral options are preferable. Be mindful that the pronouns “he” and “she” come with a set of expectations and gender norms about how people express their identity.

It should be accurate and convey understanding and respect for all people, especially for those who are transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary.īecause some people identify themselves outside the gender binary (gender binary is the idea that gender consists of two distinct, opposite and disconnected categories-male and female), it is important to make sure you know the specific pronouns people use, whether they use female, male or gender-neutral pronouns. However, as our society has progressed in understanding gender identity, our language must also be updated. Therefore, calling someone by the wrong name or “misgendering” them by using incorrect pronouns can feel disrespectful, harmful and potentially unsafe.įrom an early age, many were taught that pronouns should follow specific rules along the gender binary: “she, her and hers” for girls and women and “he, him and his” for boys and men.

They are also key facets of our identity. Because names and pronouns are the two ways people call and refer to others, they are personal and important.

We use people’s pronouns and names frequently and in regular, every day communication, both verbally and in writing.

What does pronoun mean