Using Pronouns Inclusively

Learn about using an evolving variety of gender-inclusive pronouns

Some people may use gender-inclusive pronouns to better align with their gender identity. Some gender-inclusive pronouns are new but some gender-inclusive pronouns go back centuries.

What are Pronouns?

We use pronouns in place of a person’s name. For example: Instead of saying “Sam went to the restroom,” you might say “She went to the restroom.” Traditionally, the feminine and masculine pronouns “she/her/hers” and “he/him/his” have dominated the English language.

If a person’s gender expression seemed to be male, we would typically use he/him/his when talking about that person. However, as described above gender, and expression, does not always follow this binary and sometimes a person’s gender expression may not align with their internal gender identity. To demonstrate respect for a person’s identity it is best practice to ask a person’s pronouns and use them correctly.

Why Pronouns Matter

By using the correct pronouns to address a person, you demonstrate respect for that person’s identity. Some people express their gender in a non-binary way and use pronouns such as they/them or ze/hir/hirs. People who look to be one gender to you, may identify as another gender and sometimes people may go by more than one pronoun for example he/they or he/she/they.

Using the wrong pronouns can make a person feel excluded, dysphoric, invalidated, or dismissed. Just as you shouldn’t knowingly call someone by the wrong name, you should respect a person’s pronouns.

There are a variety of gender-inclusive pronouns that are evolving. On the next page you will find a table of gendered pronouns along with some of the more commonly used gender-inclusive pronouns. The table includes pronunciation and how they are used grammatically. This table is not exhaustive, and a person may introduce themselves with a combination of pronouns or pronouns that are not listed here.