We'd like to set analytics cookies to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone.
Pronouns are the words we use to refer to people when we’re not talking directly to them. Everybody has pronouns that they like to be called by, not just trans and non-binary people.
They can be used instead of names in conversation. Often, they have gendered implications when we use them
Common binary pronouns include she/her/hers (for female), he/him/his (for male)
The most common non-binary pronouns are they/them/theirs. Be aware some people may ask to be addressed with they/them/their pronouns, instead of he/him/his or she/her/hers.
Others may believe that it is grammatically incorrect to use they/them/theirs to refer to a singular person, however this is false. We commonly use they/them/their to refer to people we can’t see or don’t personally know, and in classical literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare and Jane Austen all used them/them/their pronouns to refer to singular characters.
We can’t always tell someone’s gender just by looking at them, and we know there are more genders than just “man” and “woman”. Using they/them pronouns for people as standard before you know their gender or pronouns can be a useful way to avoid using the wrong pronouns by mistake.
Using your colleague’s and student’s correct pronoun is the easiest way to show your respect and create a safe, inclusive environment at our University.
Some people identify with a gender that is different to their birth gender, some people feel their gender is fluid and changeable or on a spectrum, and others don’t identify with gender at all.
We’d like you to consider a small change, which is why we are encouraging colleagues to add their pronouns to:
Their email signatures
Introducing themselves on meetings or presentations
Teaching, learning and research resources
Encourage gender neutral language
This is optional and it is fine if you wish to opt out. Alternatively, you can state “No pronouns – Use my name”
Simply add one of the following either after your name or at the end of your email signature or teaching resources:
There are some good resources available here if you are interested in learning more.
Why do pronouns matter?
Gender pronouns are not new, we use them without thinking in our everyday life. However, when we make assumptions about the gender of another person, we can have a negative impact on agender, gender queer, intersex, non-binary, and trans staff, students and stakeholders.
Using your colleague’s and student’s correct pronoun is the easiest way to show your respect and create a safe, inclusive environment at our school.
How do I use personal pronouns? Gender pronouns - Trans Student Educational Resources No Pronouns – Use my Name “Paul is a marketing student and Paul has developed this project. These are Paul’s advertising campaign ideas. I like Paul as a student and I like Paul’s project.
What if I make a mistake?
It is okay to make a mistake! Make sure to apologise, correct your mistake and move on. Please don’t go on and on about how bad you feel about your mistake.
If other students or staff are using the wrong pronouns, do not ignore it! Kindly correct them.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of pronouns and encourage students and staff to use them.
Correct use of pronouns is key to helping all students and staff feel included at work. It can reassure trans and gender non-conforming colleagues that they are welcome and included in your organisation.
Here are some tips you can share with students and staff:
If you’re not sure what a colleague’s pronouns are, ask them or listen to what pronouns the employee uses. You can also use gender neutral pronouns to refer to someone you’ve not had contact with yet, or simply refer to them by their name.
Use a colleague’s correct pronouns or form of address once you’re aware of them. It may feel simpler to refer to everyone with gender neutral pronouns (e.g. they/them), but you could accidently misgender someone by doing so.
If you make a mistake when referring to a colleague, apologise, correct yourself and move on. Avoid apologising too much, as this can draw further attention to your mistake and make your colleague uncomfortable. Try practicing referring to your colleague by their correct pronouns. Try this beyond your office space, perhaps by yourself or with other colleagues. For example: ‘This is my colleague Rhiannon, she booked the meeting room earlier.’
Repeatedly using an incorrect pronoun, however, can create a hostile environment for trans colleagues. We’d recommend being clear to colleagues on how this relates to your bullying and harassment policy.
