The Global Field answers pressing questions from our grantees, addressing their on-the-field challenges. We guide and offer support to our partners and stakeholders. We further help navigate common community organizational issues.

If you have a question to ask the Global Field, contact us and you could see your questions posted in a future issue!

Your Question:

Our team is behind the times as far as understanding, and honoring, personal pronoun choice. We are looking for guidelines that will lead to better understanding.

Our Response:

Why using proper pronouns is so important, both in the workplace and outside of it:

There are few things as personal as the way in which people refer to us – both through our name, and our pronouns. So how can you ask someone about their pronouns? And how can pronouns build a more diverse and inclusive workplace? Here is our introductory guide.

Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace can take months, if not years, to get right, and one important part of the equation includes taking time to open conversations about people’s pronouns.

There are few things as personal as the way in which people refer to us – both through our name, and our pronouns. What are gender pronouns? Gender pronouns, sometimes called PGPs, are words that individuals want others to use when talking to, or about, them. The most common gender pronouns include “he/him” and “she/her,” but people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming may opt to use different pronouns to best suit them, such as “they/them.”

Many hetero- and cisnormative people don’t understand the importance of referring to people by their correct pronouns, especially if they have never had to worry about someone using the wrong pronouns to refer to them.

You can’t always tell what someone’s gender pronouns are by looking at them. Moreover, assumptions might not be correct. Making your pronouns visible, even in small ways (think: an email signature) can go a long way towards normalizing this behaviour and making it more acceptable for people to ask what your pronouns might be.

So how can you ask someone about their pronouns?

The best way is to introduce yourself with your pronouns – and ask them for theirs.

How does it feel when someone uses the wrong pronouns?

It can be awkward, embarrassing, or disrespectful when someone does not use your correct pronouns. That feeling can compound when the person realizes how easily it could all have been avoided, too.

What happens if you use the wrong pronouns?

If you find yourself using the wrong pronouns in the moment, simply correct yourself and apologize. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to use someone’s correct gender pronouns. And if you do end up forgetting and apologize, it’s always best to correct the mistake – and be better in the future.

Promoting inclusivity through pronouns

Using the correct pronouns is also a sign of respect for friends, colleagues, and others you might interact with. It’s important to be mindful and aware of how we treat others. The experience of being misgendered can be hurtful, distracting, and saddening. It can be an embarrassing situation for both sides and may lead to tension between co-workers.

Diversity & Inclusion is an educational path, and leaders must start getting involved in topics such as gender pronouns since it’s the most efficient way to prove to all colleagues that these topics really matter. Normalizing this behaviour makes space for each individual to fully express themselves and bring their authentic selves to the workplace.

By including your gender pronouns in your email signature, for example, workers can show they respect and care about those in the workplace that are questioned about their gender identity. It’s also a step forward for many to acknowledge their privilege – and normalize the use of pronouns. 

Regardless of how you identify, there are some simple ways to make someone aware of your pronouns:

• Include them in your email signature
• Include them in your social media profiles, like LinkedIn, Slack, or Zoom
• Include your pronouns when you introduce yourself, both in person and virtually

Small gestures like these can even springboard and start new conversations about gender identity as well.