Celebrating International Pronouns Day
麻豆影视
Blair Imani. (30 sec.)
The language we use to speak to and about others matters. Using gender-inclusive language and a person鈥檚 correct name and pronouns demonstrates kindness, respect, and inclusivity.
People can make assumptions based on a person鈥檚 name or appearance. Relying on assumptions, using someone鈥檚 name and pronouns incorrectly, or ignoring someone鈥檚 identity can hurt others, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming people.
includes great resources about using and sharing personal pronouns (including tips on what to do when you make a mistake).
Click through to learn more about personal pronouns, why they matter, where you can get a pronoun button (spoiler: the Library!), how to add your pronouns to your 麻豆影视 account through Self-Service, and additional resources.
Respecting others with inclusive language
When describing or addressing groups of people, use gender-neutral language to be more inclusive. Consider saying 鈥渆veryone,鈥 鈥渇riends,鈥 鈥渇olks,鈥 or 鈥測'all鈥 instead of 鈥渓adies and gentlemen鈥 or 鈥済uys.鈥
Gender-neutral titles or salutations go beyond 鈥淢s.鈥, 鈥淢r.鈥 and 鈥淢rs.鈥 to include people who identify as non-binary or gender nonconforming. Titles are usually used with a last name in more formal situations. The most common gender-neutral title is 鈥淢x.鈥, pronounced 鈥渕ix.鈥 refers to someone who is outside of the gender binary.
Keep in mind that some may not like to be referred to by title at all. Of course, the best way to find out someone鈥檚 title is to ask them first!
Gendered nouns (for example 鈥渃hairman,鈥 鈥渇ireman,鈥 or 鈥渟tewardess鈥) can associate certain jobs or positions with a particular gender. When appropriate, consider using gender-neutral terms. For example 鈥渇irst-year student鈥 instead of 鈥渇reshman鈥 or 鈥渉umankind鈥 instead of 鈥渕ankind.鈥
Using 鈥渉e or she鈥 when referring to people of all genders is not inclusive, since it erases identities that fall outside of the gender binary.
There are two instances where 鈥渢hey鈥 pronouns should be used.
First, when the gender of a person is unknown or uncertain, as in: 鈥淚 have not met my neighbor yet, but they left me a casserole on the front porch.鈥
Second, when a person uses 鈥渢hey/them/theirs鈥 as their personal pronouns, as in: 鈥淪am identifies as non-binary. They like to eat pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.鈥
Using the correct pronoun or title when communicating is part of inclusion and respect for others. The surest way to be respectful is to ask for someone鈥檚 pronouns or title before making assumptions.e
Sharing your Pronouns
Sharing your pronouns can be a great way to recognize multiple pronouns and gender identities and to disrupt assumptions. It can also be a way to invite others to share. For example, an instructor may share their name and pronouns and encourage (though not require) others to do the same.
Some people may choose to share their pronouns in an email signature, on a business card, on a name tag, or on a button.
We have a variety of pronoun buttons available at the library.
Grab a button when you stop by the circulation desk. Can鈥檛 find a button with your pronouns? Let us know and we'll make you one.
Include your Pronouns in your 麻豆影视 Profile
Did you know you can add your pronouns and update your display name in Self-Service?
To edit personal identity information, including name, pronouns, and gender identity:
- Log into
- Click on your username in the upper right corner
- Select 鈥淯ser Profile鈥 from the drop-down menu
- Click on 鈥淓dit Personal Identity鈥
Additional Resources for Learning about Pronouns and Gender Identity
Check out these books available through the 麻豆影视 Library!