Why Pronouns Matter
Pronouns are equally as important as names because we want to know what to call a person. In the same regard that some people prefer to be referred to by a nickname or ensure their name is pronounced correctly, it’s necessary to be conscious of their pronoun. When pronouns are assigned to someone without confirming their pronouns, there is a major assumption about that person based on their physical appearance, which is incorrect and can be disrespectful. Asking about someone’s pronouns, sharing your own, or making your pronouns easily visible are easy ways to show people that you’re supportive, inclusive, and respectful of gender identity.
Gendered pronouns, such as She/Her/Hers and He/Him/His, are used to refer to others in place of a name. Gender-neutral pronouns are They/Them/Theirs, Ze/Hir/Hirs, and Xe/Xem/Xyrs, and are used by those who do not want to be associated with a specific gender.