The International Pronoun Day campaign encourages everyone of any gender to share their pronouns on social media as a way to celebrate and support the day.
Pronouns are terms we use to describe ourselves in the third person in place of our name. These can include:
• he/him/his
• she/her/hers
• they/them/theirs
• gender-neutral pronouns, such as ze/hir/hirs
Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. For many - though not all - people who are trans, a shift in pronouns is an affirming part of the transition process and can have positive health outcomes. It can help a trans person and the people in their lives start to see them as their affirmed gender. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns, otherwise known as misgendering, particularly affects trans & gender nonconforming people and can be devastating. Using the right pronouns is a critical step in acknowledging the humanity of trans and gender nonconforming individuals.
Sadly, anti-trans violence is on the rise and disproportionately affects trans women and femmes of color. It is our shared responsibility to make sure that the most vulnerable members of our communities are respected, supported and feel safe. Sharing your pronouns, regardless of your gender, normalizes the practice so it’s not just on transgender and non-binary people to do it. In solidarity, you can also add your pronouns to your email signature and social media profiles year-round. Sharing pronouns might seem like such a small thing to do if your pronouns align with the gender identity you were assigned at birth, but it can be life-changing to someone who constantly has to deal with being misgendered.
Respecting people’s pronouns is an important part of making UMBC a safer, more inclusive and supportive community. International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. It’s really just about recognizing the dignity of another human being.
For more information or to pick up your own pronoun buttons come visit us at The Mosaic or join us later today for Bagels and Banter Pop-Up #1.
For more information on Mosaic LGBTQA+ centered events, please email Heidy George, Program Associate for Student Diversity and Inclusion at hmg@umbc.edu, or mosaic@umbc.edu.
