Pronouns Matter!

He/ him; She/ her; Them/ they; or any combination of thereof

I knew broadly what this meant, at least so I thought. It meant people were sharing their gender alignment or what they preferred to be addressed as.

Last week, in a leadership discussion, I found out a bit more on this. Sharing of pronouns on email signatures and social media definitely helps the part I alluded to. But the intent is far broader. It attempts to signal that you are open, respectful and non-judgmental to other people’s gender orientation, whatever it may be. For a CISgender person (someone whose gender is in alignment with the sex they were assigned at birth- more on that another time) it’s fairly straight forward and no risk approach. But the simple act of actively sharing pronouns, makes it easier and safer for a person whose gender is nonbinary to do the same.

However you identify, be proud of your pronouns and encourage others to as well! It helps more people than you think.