Celebrating International Pronouns Day

This year, Wednesday, Oct. 20 is International Pronouns Day. It seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.

Blair Imani. Smarter in Seconds: Pronouns, What are pronouns? (30 sec.)

The language we use to speak to and about others matters. Using gender-inclusive language and a person’s correct name and pronouns demonstrates kindness, respect, and inclusivity.

People can make assumptions based on a person’s name or appearance. Relying on assumptions, using someone’s name and pronouns incorrectly, or ignoring someone’s identity can hurt others, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming people.

MyPronouns.org includes great resources about using and sharing personal pronouns (including tips on what to do when you make a mistake).

Click through to learn more about personal pronouns, why they matter, where you can get a pronoun button (spoiler: the Library!), how to add your pronouns to your Durham Tech account through Self-Service, and additional resources.

Respecting others with inclusive language

When describing or addressing groups of people, use gender-neutral language to be more inclusive. Consider saying “everyone,” “friends,” “folks,” or “y’all” instead of “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys.”

Gender-neutral titles or salutations go beyond “Ms.”, “Mr.” and “Mrs.” to include people who identify as non-binary or gender nonconforming. Titles are usually used with a last name in more formal situations. The most common gender-neutral title is “Mx.”, pronounced “mix.” Mx. refers to someone who is outside of the gender binary.

Keep in mind that some may not like to be referred to by title at all. Of course, the best way to find out someone’s title is to ask them first!

Gendered nouns (for example “chairman,” “fireman,” or “stewardess”) can associate certain jobs or positions with a particular gender. When appropriate, consider using gender-neutral terms. For example “first-year student” instead of “freshman” or “humankind” instead of “mankind.”

Using “he or she” when referring to people of all genders is not inclusive, since it erases identities that fall outside of the gender binary. Singular “they” pronouns are an accepted part of standard English.

There are two instances where “they” pronouns should be used.

First, when the gender of a person is unknown or uncertain, as in: “I have not met my neighbor yet, but they left me a casserole on the front porch.”

Second, when a person uses “they/them/theirs” as their personal pronouns, as in: “Sam identifies as non-binary. They like to eat pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.”

Using the correct pronoun or title when communicating is part of inclusion and respect for others. The surest way to be respectful is to ask for someone’s pronouns or title before making assumptions.e

Sharing your Pronouns

Sharing your pronouns can be a great way to recognize multiple pronouns and gender identities and to disrupt assumptions. It can also be a way to invite others to share. For example, an instructor may share their name and pronouns and encourage (though not require) others to do the same.

Some people may choose to share their pronouns in an email signature, on a business card, on a name tag, or on a button.