Understanding Gender-Inclusive Pronouns | What Are Gender Pronouns?

Q: Why Do People Add Pronouns to Their Signature Line?

Society has taught us to make automatic assumptions about what pronouns to use for someone. However, gender is not always that simple. When a person includes their gender pronouns in their signature, they take away the guesswork for others, promoting respect and inclusivity.

What Are Gender Pronouns and Why Are They Important?

Gender pronouns are crucial elements of language used to refer to people without using their names. Understanding the correct usage of gender-inclusive pronouns promotes respect and supports gender identity, especially for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals.

Common Gender Pronouns

she/her/hers

Used by individuals who identify as female or feminine. Example: "She is going to the store. I went with her. The book is hers."

he/him/his

Used by individuals who identify as male or masculine. Example: "He is going to the store. I went with him. The book is his."

they/them/theirs

Used by individuals who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming. Example: "They are going to the store. I went with them. The book is theirs."

ze/zir/zirs

An example of neopronouns, used by individuals who prefer gender-neutral pronouns. Example: "Ze is going to the store. I went with zir. The book is zirs."

Why Do People Add Pronouns to Their Signature Line?

Typically, society has taught us to make automatic assumptions about what pronouns to use for someone. If a person's gender expression (the way they appear in terms of gender) seems to be masculine, we'd likely use he/him/his when talking about that person; if a person's appearance seems to be feminine, we'd be likely to use she/her/hers.

However, gender is not always that simple. Sometimes a person's gender doesn't align with their gender expression (the way they look). In addition, not everyone expresses themselves strictly masculine or feminine.

When a person includes their gender pronouns on their email signature line (or on a nametag, when introducing themselves, etc.), they are simply taking the guesswork away for you! It's their way of saying "when you refer to me using pronouns (opposed to by my name), these are the pronouns I'd like for you to use."

Sharing pronouns helps reduce instances of misgendering, which can be distressing and harmful to all individuals, but particularly those who are trans or non-binary.

Example of pronouns in an email signature

Common Questions About Gender Pronouns

If someone states their pronouns, does it mean they are transgender?

Not at all. Everyone has a gender, and most of us have specific pronouns we'd like people to use when we are being referred to. Sharing pronouns doesn't automatically mean a person is transgender or gender non-conforming.

Even if you are not someone whose pronouns are often misidentified, sharing your pronouns can set a positive example and support those who might feel more vulnerable about their gender identity.

Did You Know?

According to a 2021 Pew Research study, 26% of Americans know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns
The American Psychological Association recommends using gender-inclusive language in all professional communications
Many major companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Apple, encourage employees to include pronouns in their email signatures

Glossary of Terms

Transgender / Trans: An umbrella term that describes people whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. According to the American Psychological Association, transgender is an adjective used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Non-binary: A spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine. The Human Rights Campaign defines non-binary as an adjective describing a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman.
Intersex: People who have variations in sex characteristics. According to the Intersex Society of North America, around 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits – comparable to the number of people born with red hair.
Agender: Agender is a gender identity generally defined as in which one lacks a gender or has very little experience of a gender. The Gender Spectrum organization notes that agender individuals may feel they have no gender or a neutral gender.
Cisgender: A term for people whose gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth. The American Psychological Association defines cisgender as an adjective used to describe people whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Gender Expression: The external display of one's gender, through a combination of dress, demeanor, social behavior, and other factors. The Gender Spectrum organization emphasizes that gender expression is distinct from gender identity.
Gender / Gender Identity: One's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. According to American Psychological Association, gender identity is a person's internal, deeply felt sense of being a man, a woman, or something else.
Misgendering: Referring to someone, especially a transgender person, using a word, especially a pronoun or form of address, that does not correctly reflect their gender. The GLAAD Media Reference Guide emphasizes that misgendering can be harmful and should be avoided.
Deadnaming: The act of referring to someone, but usually a trans person, by their birth name instead of their chosen name. The GLAAD Media Reference Guide states that deadnaming is disrespectful and should be avoided.
Queer: An umbrella term used to describe a wide range of sexual & romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The Human Rights Campaign notes that while queer was once used as a slur, it has been reclaimed by many LGBTQ+ people.

Understanding Gender-Inclusive Pronouns: A Guide to Inclusivity