Pronouns: What they Are & Why They Matter

Dignity and Respect for All
UFCW OUTreach believes that every person deserves dignity and respect, no matter where they work, who they love or how they idenitfy. Referring to one another using correct pronouns communicates respect. 

What is a pronoun?
A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun, such as I, she, he, you, we, and they. Pronouns such as he/him, she/her, and they/them are common ways we refer to each other. Xe/xir, Ey/em, or a combination of pronouns such as she/they, etc. may be preferred pronouns for someone who identifies outside of the gender binary. Sharing your pronouns tells others how you want to be addressed and leads by example.

Why do pronouns matter?
Just as you wouldn’t change someone’s name, you wouldn’t change someone’s pronouns. Think about how often someone uses your name or pronoun in a day. Now, imagine coworkers, supervisors, or customers using the wrong pronoun. That experience, called “misgendering,” can be uncomfortable and hurtful.

Create opportunities to share pronouns
- One-on-one: “Hi, I’m John, and I use he/him.”
- Meetings: “Hi everyone, I’m Mollie, a steward, and I use she/her.”
- Email signatures: E. Wilson (they/them)
- Wearing a pronoun pin invites others to share their pronouns and indicates you will be respectful of others pronouns.

Ask if you don’t know
“What pronouns do you use?” “What pronouns would you like me to use?”

Practice, practice, practice!
- Use people’s pronouns consistently, unless someone asks you not to for privacy or safety reasons.
- If you make a mistake, apologize briefly, correct yourself, and move forward.
- Learn and grow with respect It’s okay if you need more time and education to fully understand pronouns and why they are important.
- However, be sure to always address others by their pronouns. Using incorrect pronouns is disrespectful.