This question is important and something that needs to be normalized. An apology puts the responsibility on the misgendered student to make you feel better rather than centering the response on the feelings of the person impacted. Gender pronouns (she/he/they, etc.) specifically refer to people that are being talked about.Ī quick correction validates that you clearly made a verbal misstep, and not some deeper level of invalidating the student’s gender identity.Įx : I know Tyler, I first met him- I mean, I met her at the park.ĭo not apologize.
What is a pronoun? What are the gender pronouns?Ī pronoun is a word that refers to either the people talking (I or you) or someone or something that is being talked about (she, it, them, and this). It is a gender-neutral and inclusive language practice, backed in the theory of descriptive grammar and Queer pedagogy. Note* as seen in the above passage, pronouns they | them | theirs can be used in the singular form, meaning for a single individual, if a person's gender is unknown. When allys of the LGBTQIA+ community take part in this practice, they signal to Queer individuals that they are an ally as well as open up the conversation for a Queer individual to share their identity back.Īdditionally, allys of the Queer community, particularly those that identify as cis-gender, should use / post their pronouns in introductions and bios to communicate to students (and others) that sharing one's pronouns is "normal." It also invites students to do the same, and signals that Queer students have a safe space to share their identity and be validated. Likewise, it takes away the assumption that pronouns are only used by Transgender individuals.īy stating one's pronouns, the need for explanation behind an individual's correct pronouns is eliminated, as well as the idea that a person's pronouns can be assumed based off their physical appearance or given name. Normalizing pronouns and using correct pronouns leads to the acceptance and de-stigmatization of individuals who "deviate" from traditionally used pronouns or pronouns that do not align with their physical appearance or gender-based name.
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