Gender Pronouns: Importance And How To Be Inclusive

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about gender pronouns

Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC — Written by Veronica Zambon on February 12, 2021

Definition
Importance
How to be inclusive
Common pronouns
What if I make a mistake?
Do's and do not's
Summary

Gender pronouns are words that people use to refer to others without using their names. Using a person’s correct pronouns fosters a sense of belonging and affirms a person’s gender identity.

This article will discuss what gender pronouns are, why they are important, how to be respectful, some common gender pronouns, and what to do if a person mistakenly uses the wrong pronouns.

What are pronouns?

a transgender woman talking to a person in an office — Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

Pronouns are words that people use to refer to others. They are a useful way to replace nouns such as names. Some examples include:

Sally went to the shops to buy herself some snacks.
Fred went to the shops to buy himself some snacks.
Ash went to the shops to buy themself some snacks.

Pronouns are useful tools, but it is important to remember that some people may use different pronouns in different situations, and some may not use pronouns at all.

People will be less likely to make assumptions and mistakes about another person’s pronouns if they ask which pronouns they should use and share their own when introducing themselves.

Why are pronouns important?

Pronouns are important because, by using a person’s pronouns correctly, other people are showing them respect and cultivating a sense of belonging for them.

It is important to never assume a person’s pronouns. By assuming a person’s pronouns, it is possible to send an unintended message that people must look a certain way to be able to use their pronouns.

Using the wrong pronouns can be offensive or even harmful. Ignoring a person’s pronouns can also imply that people who are under the transgender umbrella — such as those who are transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming — do not exist.

By using a person’s pronouns correctly, people can reduce the adverse effects of social oppression.

One 2016 study found that affirming a person’s pronouns — and, in extension, their gender — lowers depression and raises self-esteem. A person affirming another’s pronoun use can help others feel comfortable with their external appearance and their gender identity.

Sex and gender

Some people may use the terms “sex” and “gender” interchangeably, but they mean different things. Gender is a social construct and merely denotes the social and cultural role of sex within a given community.

People often develop their gender identity and gender expression in response to their environment. This refers to the way a person identifies along the gender spectrum.

Gender is not neatly divided along the binary lines of “man” and “woman.” For example, some people do not identify with any gender, while others identify with multiple genders. Only the person themself can determine what their gender identity is, and this can change over time.

No one should assume another person’s gender or gender pronouns.

How to be appropriate and respectful

There are several ways that people can be appropriate and respectful to other people’s pronouns.

One way is to not assume a person’s pronouns. For example, the LGBTQIA Resource Center suggests using “they” when one does not know a person’s gender.

By using gender-neutral pronouns, people are not making assumptions about another person’s gender, nor are they making stereotypical assumptions about job roles — such as using “he” pronouns for a doctor or “she” pronouns for a receptionist.

A person can also share their own pronouns. People can introduce themselves by their name and their pronouns in every setting, not just in LGBTQIA+ spaces.

Adding pronouns to email signatures and business cards can also help normalize the importance of using correct pronouns.

One of the most important ways to be accurate and respectful is to ask a person what their pronouns are.

Some people may use different pronouns in different settings, such as at work or at home. Asking a person what their pronouns are and when and how to use them helps create a supportive and respectful environment.

What are commonly used pronouns?

Some common pronouns that people use include he, she, and they. Examples of how to use these pronouns include:

He laughed with his friends, enjoying himself.
She laughed with her friends, enjoying herself.
They laughed with their friends, enjoying themself.

Although these are some pronouns that people may hear the most, there are many other pronouns that people may use.

The following table has a non-exhaustive list of pronouns:

He/She/They	Him/Her/Them	His/Hers/Theirs	Himself/Herself/Themself
co	co	cos	coself
en	en	ens	enself
ey	em	eirs	emself
xie	hire (“here”)	hirs	hirself
yo	yo	yos	yoself
ze	zir	zirs	zirself
ve	vis	ver	verself

Using the same example sentence as above, examples of how to use these pronouns include:

Ze laughed with zir friends, enjoying zirself.
Xie laughed with hire friends, enjoying hirself.
Co laughed with co friends, enjoying coself.

What if I mistakenly use the wrong pronouns?

Despite a person’s best efforts, mistakenly using the wrong pronouns can happen. If a person mistakenly uses the wrong pronouns, they should apologize, correct the pronouns, and carry on with their dialog.

However, overapologizing can be harmful. It may put the other person in a position wherein they feel they have to say that it is OK to stop the apology. Overapologizing can also draw more attention, putting the other person in the spotlight when they may not want that.

In some situations, if a person feels comfortable and safe doing so, they may correct another person’s mistake.

For example, if two people are talking about a third, and one of the people uses the wrong pronouns for the third, one of the two can gently correct and educate the other.

It is important to make sure that the third person is comfortable with others knowing their pronouns and with people correcting others.

General dos and do nots

There are some general rules that people can follow when using pronouns. These include the following:

Do ask a person which pronouns they use.
Do practice a person’s pronouns in private to reduce the chances of making a mistake.
Do apologize for mistakenly using the wrong pronoun.
Do not ignore mistakenly using the wrong pronoun.
Do not assume a person’s pronouns.
Do not assume that a person’s pronouns remain the same.
Do not refer to pronouns as “masculine” or “feminine.”

By following these general rules, people are less likely to make assumptions about another person’s pronouns and less likely to mistakenly use an incorrect term.

Summary

Gender pronouns are an important part of how people communicate. They take the place of nouns such as names and allow people to easily share information about themselves.

Although many people use he, she, or they pronouns, there are many other pronouns that people may use.

It is important to ask a person what their pronouns are and to share one’s own pronouns to foster an accurate and respectful environment.

LGBTQIA+
Cat 1

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

A guide to pronouns for allies. (2020). https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/guide-pronouns-allies
Gender and health. (n.d.).https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender
Gender. (n.d.) https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-psychology/chapter/gender/
Glynn, T. R., et al. (2016). The role of gender affirmation in psychological well-being among transgender women. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5061456/
How. (n.d.). https://www.mypronouns.org/how
Mistakes. (n.d.). https://www.mypronouns.org/mistakes
Pronouns. (2019). https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/pronouns
What and why. (n.d.).https://www.mypronouns.org/what-and-why

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC — Written by Veronica Zambon on February 12, 2021

Latest news

7 heart-healthy behaviors may help increase longevity after cancer
Dancing, reading, and video games could help delay brain aging
Supplements that support gut health may also benefit skin health
Longevity: Here's how coffee may benefit healthy aging
5 healthy habits may help keep the brain younger, even with chronic pain

Related Coverage

What does nonbinary mean?Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC
Nonbinary describes someone who defines their gender identity and experience outside of the man/woman binary. Learn more about nonbinary identities…
READ MORE
What does 'queer' mean?Medically reviewed by E. Mimi Arquilla, DO
People might use the term 'queer' to describe their sexuality or gender identity. Learn more about its definition and history, and find support groups,
READ MORE
Do I need to come out to my doctor? Advice and information
Coming out to a healthcare professional can help improve the quality of care. Read more.
READ MORE
What to know about coming out
Coming out is an unique experience. Some people may find it easy to talk with those close to them, while others may find it challenging. Read more…
READ MORE
What to know about gender stereotypes
Gender stereotypes are generalised views about how people should behave or which characteristics they should have based on their gender. Read more…
READ MORE

Tag » Appropriate Gender Pronouns

Gender Pronouns: Importance And How To Be Inclusive

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

What are pronouns?

Why are pronouns important?

Sex and gender

How to be appropriate and respectful

What are commonly used pronouns?

What if I mistakenly use the wrong pronouns?

General dos and do nots

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Gender Identity And Pronouns | LGBTQ - The New School

Gender Pronouns | LGBTQ+ Resource Center

A Guide To Understanding Gender Identity And Pronouns - NPR

What Are Gender Pronouns And Why Is It Important To Use The Right ...

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Gender-Neutral Pronouns

Gender Pronouns | Springfield College

Preferred Gender Pronoun - Wikipedia

[PDF] Personal Gender Pronouns: For Faculty, Staff And Students

What's The Deal With Gender Pronouns? Why Language Matters

[PDF] Gender Pronouns

Pronouns: A How-To - The Diversity Center

Gendered Pronouns & Singular “They” // Purdue Writing Lab

Pronouns | Center For Inclusion And Social Change

Understanding Pronouns - LGBT Life Center

Contact