It’s 2020 and we are educated enough to know about gender fluidity but many of us still struggle using the correct pronouns. Growing up we all learnt about pronouns in school. Didn’t we? But how many of us know how to use correct pronoun? Using the correct pronoun is very important as it is a matter of identity for someone. And don’t wanna disrespect someone. Today we present you few ways to be gender inclusive in your approach.
Why using the correct pronoun important?
As I said earlier it is a matter of identity to people – “Using correct pronouns can help people feel affirmed in their gender because they are being referred to in a way they feel represents them”.
Here are a few ways to be gender inclusive in your approach.
1. Ask them what pronouns they prefer
Asking someone what pronouns they prefer, whether they prefer he or she or them. It is better than getting it all wrong and offending them. They will appreciate your effort and understand that you are being respectful.
2. Gender-neutral pronoun they
Contradicting to what many people believe they can also be used as singular i.e for a person. It is best to use them when you don’t know about them. Many people also prefer them as they are figuring out themselves about their body and gender. There are few more gender-neutral pronouns like ze, zir, hir. These are used when you don’t know about a person’s gender and referring them in the third person.
3. Gender queerness
Many prefer the category genderqueer. Genderqueer is a spectrum of gender that includes everything, be it binary or non-binary. It covers everything. Some people also don’t have a preference they are pronoun indifferent. They are okay with both he/she pronoun.
Gender can be complicated term sometimes but to many people, it is about their existence and identity. Using incorrect pronouns can hinder someone’s sense of safety. It is always good to be considerate. In this cruel society, it is great to have a few people who accept you the way you are. The best thing you can always do to be gender inclusive is by listening to them and always ask rather than assuming.
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