WHAT’S IN A WORD
Pronoun: A word that refers to either the people talking (like I or you) or someone or something that is being talked about (like he, she, it, them, and this). NOTE: A gender pronoun (like he and her) specifically refers to people that you are talking about.
THE WHY
- Knowing / using someone’s pronouns is a baseline for respect – just like knowing / using their name
- When you set a standard for yourself and others to use someone’s pronouns, you influence a culture that empowers people to be their true authentic selves without judgement
- When a workplace culture does not just tolerate or accept their employees, but celebrates them for being their true authentic selves then we have reached ideal empowerment
ASK | APOLOGIZE | ADVOCATE
How to ASK
- Consenting to ask / consenting to share
- Assume positive intent
For Example…
“Hey, I wanted to check in and ask, what are your pronouns?”
“Do you use [pronouns]?” for pre-existing relationships
Avoid using the phrase ‘preferred pronouns’
How to APOLOGIZE
When you accidentally use the wrong pronouns…
- Correct yourself
- Keep it short / sweet
- A correction is usually enough, but a quick ‘Sorry’ can go a long way
- Do not belabor or add extra attention to your mistake in the moment
- It can feel uncomfortable when you use the wrong pronouns; do not forget to center your apology around the person, rather than around your perspective
How to ADVOCATE
- If you know someone’s pronouns, you can help others by advocating
- Be compassionate in your corrections
If you see someone intentionally using the wrong pronouns…
- Stand with that person and continue to use their correct pronouns
- Help remove them from the situation, if wanted (with their consent)
- Continue to correct and educate the other person with compassion
