Why Pronouns Matter in Creating Inclusive Spaces
The importance of Pronouns in the LGBTQIA+ Community
The importance of Pronouns in the LGBTQIA+ Community
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Pronouns are words we use to refer to people without using their names, like he/him, she/her, they/them.
They/them can be used for individuals who identify as nonbinary, gender-fluid, or when a person’s gender is unknown
These pronouns are newer and used by people who don’t feel represented by traditional pronouns, adding flexibility for gender-diverse individuals.
While alternative pronouns may seem more common today, people have actually used nontraditional pronouns beyond "he/him" or "she/her" for centuries
The oldest known gender-neutral pronoun in the English language is "they" in its singular form
An example of singular "they" can be found as early as the 14th century, in the French poem “William the Werewolf” (dated 1375).
Using correct pronouns helps affirm the identities of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly trans and nonbinary people
Misgendering can feel invalidating and even harmful, impacting mental health and well-being
Being mindful of pronouns is a form of allyship, helping everyone feel seen and respected.
Pronouns reflect our identity and are fundamental to respectful communication
Understanding and using correct pronouns is a simple but important way to create inclusive spaces for everyone
“We all want to be called by the right name – using the correct pronoun is an extension of that respect.”
Example: “Hello, my name is Alice, and I use she/her pronouns.”
If you misgender someone, a simple apology or “Oops, I meant they” can go a long way – just don’t go overboard!
| Subjective | Objective | Possessive Adjective | Possessive Pronoun | Reflexive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| She (She is here) | Her (I called her) | Her (Her hands are wet) | Hers (That is hers) | Herself |
| He | Him | His | His | Himself |
| Ze | Zir | Zir | Zirs | Zirself |
| Xe | Xem | Xir | Xirs | Xirself |
| Sie | Hir | Hir | Hirs | Hirself |
| They | Them | Their | Theirs | Themself |