Understanding and Respecting Personal Pronouns

Understanding and Respecting Personal Pronouns

We often make assumptions about people’s gender identities and the pronouns they use based on our perception of a person’s name or appearance. Sometimes these assumptions are not accurate. Using the wrong pronouns for someone can unintentionally communicate that their identity is not respected, or that who they are is not valid or possible. To be respectful of the diverse gender identities of our students and colleagues, it is important to invest in getting people’s pronouns right.

If people regularly use the correct pronouns for you, sharing your pronouns shows others that you care about respecting all individuals’ gender identities. Sharing pronouns contributes to a culture of respect by establishing a norm where people’s gender identities aren’t assumed, and sending a message of welcomeness to people whose pronouns are often incorrectly assumed or not respected.

Please watch this video to learn from Western students about the importance of respecting people’s pronouns.

Taking Action to Respect Personal Pronouns

We often make assumptions about people’s gender identities and the pronouns they use based on our perception of their name or appearance. Sometimes these assumptions are not accurate. Using the wrong pronouns for someone can  unintentionally communicate that their identity is not respected, or that who they are is not valid or possible.

If people regularly use the correct pronouns for you, sharing your pronouns shows others that respecting all individuals’  gender identities is important to you. Sharing pronouns contributes to a culture of respect by establishing a norm where people’s gender identities aren’t assumed, and sending a message of welcomeness to people whose pronouns are often
incorrectly assumed or not respected.

Share

When doing introductions at the beginning of classes and meetings, invite people to share their pronouns. Model doing this. Add pronouns to your business cards and email signature block. Include pronouns with your name where faculty/ staff are listed on your department website.

At meetings and events with name tags or name plates, include space for people to share pronouns. Again, model doing this.

Recognize

Pay attention when people share their pronouns in person and in writing. This is an opportunity to disrupt assumptions you might be making unintentionally.

When someone shares their pronouns, use those pronouns consistently when communicating about the person unless they request otherwise,  whether or not they are around. Every student, staff person and faculty member knows best what pronouns are appropriate for them. If you  accidentally use the wrong pronouns for someone, correct yourself.

Practice

If a pronoun is unfamiliar to you, or if it is different than the pronoun someone used before, getting it right can take effort. Practice.

“Dani is a great participant in my seminar. Zir insights enrich our discussions. When ze comes to office hours  tomorrow, I’m going to talk with zir about pursuing graduate school.”

Keep Going

Incorporate readings, art, case studies, and examples that reflect gender diversity, including positive representation of people who use pronouns such as they, ze, or ey. Share these ideas with your colleagues and friends.

Indicating personal pronouns in Web4U

Students and employees can indicate and update their pronouns in the Personal Information section of Web4U.

Sharing pronouns in online communication tools

Anyone can share their pronouns on platforms including Canvas and Zoom. Even if people regularly assume your pronouns correctly, sharing your pronouns can be a meaningful act of solidarity with transgender students, faculty, and staff who share their pronouns to avoid being misgendered. Directions for indicating your pronouns in Canvas.  Directions for editing your name in Zoom, and you can add your pronouns after your first or last name.

University Communications has designed a business card template that includes pronouns. Copy Services is familiar with printing business cards using this template.

You can also share pronouns in your email signature block. WebTech provides an automatic email signature generator that includes pronouns.

Additional Resources

Mypronouns.org is a great resource for more learning.

You can also use web tools to practice using pronouns that are unfamiliar to you.