Allyship in Practice: Gender Pronouns

Pronouns are the easiest way to acknowledge someone's identity.

Personal gender pronouns are pronouns that a person identifies with and should be called when the proper name is not being used. Some examples include: she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs.??

They are not something that is "preferred", they simply are a part of someone's identity, an extension of their name and a sense of self.?Using a person's proper pronouns is a basic courtesy that should be respectfully afforded to all persons.

The microagression of misgendering a person can cause trauma and long-term negative consequences. Unintentional misgendering can feel like "death by papercuts". Intentional misgendering is denying the very existence of that person.

What Can Individuals Do

1. Use Their Pronouns

In order to use someone's pronouns to show respect, validation and basic courtesy, first you must KNOW which pronouns to use. (Education is step 1!)?It's important not to associate expression with identity. How a person presents themselves is different from identity. Clothing and accessories do not make a person (or a pronoun). There's not a singular dress code for any gender.

So how do you find out??The best way to know for sure is to hear them say it for themselves either verbally or in written communication.

2. Share Your Pronouns

Sharing an identity can be a journey and it is just as important to respect where others are in their own journeys. If you feel comfortable sharing your pronouns, share yours as an indicator of allyship and support. If others are comfortable, they will share back.?

• Add it to your email signature, zoom name, social network names and profiles
• Whenever you are introducing yourself, simply add your pronouns too.?

3. Use Neutral Language

Incorporate neutral language in your every day speech and communications to make sure all that you are addressing feel safe, acknowledged and included. Instead of "Welcome Guys" try "Hi everyone". (Or as we say here in Texas, "Hi Y'all!)

?4. Make Mistakes

Progress over perfection. If you make a mistake and get corrected, a simple "Thank you" and a correction of the pronoun demonstrates responsibility and a willingness for growth. Change is hard. There will be bumps in the road. Breathe. Try again. You got this.?

5. Hold Others Accountable

Speak up and make corrections for others. Reduce the burden of education from the misgendered person and hold each other accountable.?

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What Can Organizations Do

1. Systemic Changes

Organizations can begin by making systemic changes to enable the systems that we use to allow users to share their pronouns with others in their user profile records (if they so choose), like we can do here in Jive:

2. Leading by Example

Those in leadership positions can demonstrate inclusivity by following the best practices listed above and building trust throughout the organization.

3. Educate Employees

Develop a safe and inclusive environment by educating the organization on the importance of respecting pronouns. Education leads to Empathy. Empathy leads to Engagement. Engagement is the tactical execution of inclusion.??

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Diversity is Who We Are, Inclusion is What We Do

It's up to all of us. WE are what make our organizations inclusive. Our education. Our engagement. Together, we can do more to create inclusive environments, one small step at a time.?