#YesSheCan In-Depth: Pronouns

Pronouns are a very personal thing. They are a part of identifying who we are to strangers, acquaintances and even our peers in the workplace. There might be many reasons why people choose to use certain pronouns so it’s great to understand what they are.

In this #YesSheCan blog, we will go into depth about what pronouns are, where they are used and recognise the importance of them.

What are pronouns?

Pronouns, or specifically personal pronouns, put simply, are words used to refer to either yourself or another person. We use pronouns to help specify whom we are speaking about. Using an individuals’ pronouns correctly is as helpful and respectful as calling someone by their name.

Pronouns aid us in our gender expression, self-expression, and being avid allies to the LGBTQIA+ community through practising diversity and inclusivity in something as manageable as our conversations.

Here are a small number of examples:

Pronouns can align with someone’s sex assigned at birth, such as a female with the pronouns She/Her, also known as cisgender.

We may also consider a non-binary individual. Non-binary is used to describe people who feel that their gender or identity cannot be defined by the typical societal standards or expectations of a man or a woman. So, they may not resonate with typically ‘male’ or ‘female’ pronouns; they might choose to use more gender-neutral personal pronouns, They/Them.

How about transgender or trans people? The word trans is a broader term for a range of people within what is commonly referred to as the ‘trans umbrella.’ Under this umbrella are the likes of trans non-binary people, trans men, trans women, and cross-dressing people. In general, trans refers to people who aren’t cisgender. A trans woman, for example, may choose to use personal pronouns She/Her or She/They.

These are all just examples. Everyone is different – that is the beauty of it all! A person has the freedom and right to choose personal pronouns that make them feel most comfortable.

Are pronouns important?

Yes, pronouns are important.

We have been using pronouns in our daily lives since we learnt to talk to and about others. It’s a point of identification that allows us to express ourselves.

Many people are starting to recognise the importance of using individuals correct personal pronouns thanks to influential activists, articles, social media posts, and the ease of sharing this information with our friends and family.

By opening ourselves up to conversations about pronouns, we are given the opportunity to learn not to assume someone’s pronouns based on a person’s physical appearance in relation to societal stereotypes.

So, what can we do?

Many people include their personal pronouns within email signatures (have a look at The WOW Networkswebsite for a quick and easy breakdown of this tip) and social media bio’s; this is a swift and straightforward step you can take to help those you communicate with know of your personal pronouns and convey your support and respect for their pronouns.

In a safe environment, meeting someone new face to face, you can simply ask! Try introducing yourself and your pronouns first to help them feel comfortable sharing their pronouns.

If you think you’ve accidentally used the wrong pronouns for someone in conversation, quickly apologise and correct yourself. Nobody’s perfect; mistakes are made, own it, and progress forward.

Finally, show your support! You can do this during days like International Pronouns Day each year on the third Wednesday of October. Share information and educational posts like this one to help normalise conversations about gender and self-expression.

Remember, your pronouns are your choice!

Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe, especially with their friends and family and in the workplace. Even if you take away from this blog to be more aware of pronouns, you are heading in the right direction!