Why it’s important to use people’s correct pronouns
-
Happy International Pronouns Day! Let’s take the opportunity to learn more about pronouns – and how important it is to get it right.
The aim of International Pronouns Day is to “make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace”. Using people’s correct pronouns is a basic sign of respect and dignity.
What are pronouns anyway?
Personal pronouns are words you use to talk about someone when you’re not using their name.
- English pronouns: I, she, he, they, we, ze
- Te Reo Māori pronoun: Ia
Some languages, like English, have gendered pronouns – traditionally we use “he” when talking about boys and men, and “she” when talking about girls and women. Others, like Māori, have ungendered pronouns – “ia” is used for everyone.
People can choose for themselves which pronouns they want to use. Some people may change the pronouns they use. And some people may want to be referred to only by their name, not a pronoun.
It’s important to use people’s correct pronouns or names and not make assumptions about what they use.
Why do pronouns matter?
Using people’s correct pronouns is a basic sign of respect and dignity.
Misgendering or mispronouning happens when someone uses the wrong pronouns to describe another person. For example, someone may call a person a “girl” or “she” based on the way they look without knowing the gender they identify with. This can make that person feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.
Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. It can send the message that people have to look a certain way to use a particular pronoun – or that their identity is not valid.
-
-
How can I know someone’s pronouns?
It’s important not to assume someone’s gender or pronouns based on how they look, how they behave, or what they do. If you’re not sure which pronouns someone uses, you can:
- Use gender-neutral terms like "they"
- Share your own pronouns to start the kōrero
- Call people by their name
- Ask people how they’d like to be referred to
- Sometimes people add their pronouns to things like their email signatures, their social media profiles, or even wear a badge or pin.
How can I show my support?
The most important thing you can do is to respect the pronouns others use. This means:
- Not making assumptions about someone’s pronouns
- Using the pronouns they’ve chosen
- Correcting yourself or others if there’s been a mistake
Sharing your own pronouns can also be helpful. It encourages people not to make assumptions. And it can make it easier for others to share their pronouns. You can share your pronouns:
- In person – by saying it or even wearing a pronoun pin (you can buy these on our online shop)
- On your social media profiles (Instagram and LinkedIn have dedicated fields for this)
- In your email signature
You can also get involved in our social media competition and win a pronoun pin. Head over to Facebook or Instagram, like the post, and be in to win a pin!