Supporting LGBTQ+ Coworkers: 02. Understanding Pronouns

A pronoun is a word that refers to either the people who are talking, or someone or something that is being talked about. These are words like "she," "he," "they," "them," etc. We use feminine, masculine, and gender-neutral pronouns in everyday conversations all the time. However, for those who have gender identities or expressions that are different than the conventional binary genders, using improper pronouns when referencing them can be hurtful and disrespectful. In this program, we'll discuss how to avoid these situations by recognizing and respecting other people's identities. We'll go over commonly used pronouns, how to establish your own pronouns, and how to determine the preferred pronouns of others.