What is a pronoun?

A pronoun is a word used to refer to either the people who are talking (like “I” or “you”) or a person being talked about in the third person (like “she/her,” “he/him,” and “they/them”). Since some pronouns are gendered (“she/her” and “he/him”), it is important to be intentional about the way we use pronouns as we all work to create as inclusive an environment as possible.

Why do pronouns matter?

Ask yourself how many times someone has used your name or a pronoun to refer to you today. Chances are this has happened countless times. Now, imagine that your coworker, or a family member, or your doctor or a friend routinely calls you by the wrong pronoun. That would be hard. This is why using a person’s chosen name and pronouns is essential to affirming their identity and showing basic respect. The experience of being misgendered – having someone use the incorrect pronouns to refer to you – can be uncomfortable and hurtful. The experience of accidentally misgendering someone can be difficult for both parties. Routinely asking and providing pronouns helps everyone avoid assumptions and feel comfortable interacting.

What are “neopronouns”?

Some transgender and non-binary people use “neopronouns,” or pronouns other than those most commonly used in a particular language, to describe themselves. Common neopronouns include xe/xir/xirs and ze/zir/zirs, though by definition, they can be almost limitless. Like with he/him, she/her, or they/them pronouns, the best way to create an inclusive environment is to ask someone their pronouns or pick up on them through context clues. 

People who use neopronouns may prefer not to be addressed with gendered honorifics such as "Ms." /"Mr." / "Mrs." As an alternative, some neopronoun users use "Mx." as an honorific, as in "Mx. Jones." Similarly, instead of Sir or Ma'am, many use “Zir” as in “Thank you, Zir” or “Yes, Zir.”

Pronoun Etiquette Tips

• Create opportunities for people to share their pronouns with you rather than assuming you know their pronouns based on their appearance. For example, when introducing yourself share your pronouns like this:
  • In one-on-one conversation: “Hi, I’m John and I go by he/him. Nice to meet you.”
  • In a meeting: “Hi everyone. I’m Mollie. I’m the senior program manager and I go by she/her.”
  • In your e-mail signature next to your name: E. Wilson (pronouns: they/them/theirs)
• If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, it’s okay to ask. You can say, “What pronouns do you use?” or “What pronouns do you go by?” or “What pronouns would you like me to use when I refer to you?”
• Always use someone’s chosen (preferred) pronouns unless you’ve been asked not to do so for a specific reason (e.g., safety or privacy concerns).
• Practice! Practice! Practice! It takes intention to consistently use someone’s correct pronouns if you previously used different pronouns for that person or if you’re using pronouns that are new to you. Take the time to practice referring to the person with the correct pronouns in conversation and in written communication. (Tip: Worried about misgendering someone in an email? Do a quick “CTRL+F” and search for any use of an incorrect pronoun before hitting send.)
• If you make a mistake, apologize and move on. Help others by gently correcting them if they misgender someone.