Pronouns
Updated:Pronouns are words used to refer to a person in place of their name. In the context of gender and sexuality, pronouns are an important aspect of personal identity and can reflect a person's gender identity. Common pronouns include he/him, she/her, and they/them, but there are many others that individuals may use to express their gender identity.
Additional Information
Using someone's correct pronouns is a way to show respect for their identity and create an inclusive environment. It's important to note that pronouns don't always align with what one might assume based on appearance. Some people use multiple sets of pronouns, while others may use neopronouns (newly created pronouns) such as xe/xem or ze/zir.
It's becoming increasingly common to share one's pronouns in introductions, email signatures, or social media profiles to normalize the practice and avoid assumptions about gender identity.
Examples
Introducing oneself: "Hi, I'm Alex. My pronouns are they/them."
Respectfully asking someone's pronouns: "What pronouns do you use?"
Using gender-neutral pronouns in a sentence: "They went to the store to buy their favorite book."