What are Gender Pronouns
Gender pronouns are words that we use to refer to someone’s gender identity. They are used when we talk about someone in the third person, such as “she,” “he,” “they,” “ze,” and “hir.” Gender pronouns are an important part of how we communicate and show respect for people’s identities.
Why is it important to use the correct gender pronouns?
Using the correct gender pronouns is a way to affirm someone’s gender identity and show them that you respect them. It is also a way to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Misgendering someone, or using the wrong gender pronouns for them, can be hurtful and invalidating. It can also make someone feel unsafe and unwelcome.
How do I know what pronouns to use for someone?
The best way to know what pronouns to use for someone is to ask them. You can say something like, “What pronouns do you use?” or “How can I refer to you?” If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, it is always better to use gender-neutral pronouns, such as “they/them/their.” You can also use someone’s name instead of a pronoun.
Here are some examples of how to use gender pronouns:
- She/her/hers: I saw Sarah yesterday. She was wearing a new dress.
- He/him/his: I talked to Michael on the phone. He said he’ll be here soon.
- They/them/their: Alex is a great friend. They are always there for me.
- Ze/hir/hirs: Robin uses ze/hir pronouns. I respect ze/hir identity.
- Hir/Hir/hirs: Jamie is a non-binary person. Hir pronouns are hir/hir/hirs.
