What are pronouns?

Simply put, pronouns are a way of referring to someone in the third person. They are generally connected with a person’s gender, often a signifier of that crucial part of a person’s identity;

Example: he is my friend, she is nice, they are fun.

If we’re being technical, pronouns are a subcategory of nouns, which are used as substitutes for nouns where the noun is known due to the context.

Example: My sister Sarah is going to college. She will study music.

Here, the noun is Sarah, and the pronoun is “She”.

Why do you have your pronouns in your email signature?

It’s an easy way to make people aware of how to refer to me in the third person.

Example: I got an email from Ruadhán, he will call on Friday. Bella contacted us and said her schedule is free.

Isn’t it obvious what pronouns you use?

Nope. It’s not obvious.

People can have any pronouns, no matter how they present themselves. While you might be able to make a good guess, it’s better to just take the guess-work out of it by including your pronouns in your email signature, social profiles, or internal directory. Also, around the world, different names may sound feminine or masculine. If you have an Irish name someone from another country may not know if that is typically a male or female name, and vice versa!

Having your pronouns visible in your email signature is a way to show that you’re aware that people may use different pronouns such as they/them, and in sharing that awareness, you’re helping your students or colleagues to pause before they assume a person’s gender or pronouns. It’s a small, remarkably simple way to demonstrate that you care about inclusion.

Hold on, “they” is plural!

We’ve been using the singular They since the 14th century in English. We use it all the time when we don’t know someone’s gender.

Example: Somebody left their umbrella! I hope they don’t get wet.

Some, but not all, non-binary people, use they/them pronouns. This means you refer to them in the third person using they and them.

Example: Max is joining us for paintball on Saturday. They’ll be driving if you want a lift with them.

Some non-binary people may use “they/she” or “they/he” pronouns - indicating that they are comfortable with you referring to them using either of those sets of pronouns. Others may use neopronouns.

What are neopronouns?

Neopronouns are singular third-person pronouns that are usually new and created with the intent of being gender-neutral. They/them are the most widely used neutral pronoun set but some people prefer to use neopronouns. An example of a neopronoun set is Xe/Xem.

Example: Sam is buying snacks. Xe went to the store and I gave xem a tote bag to use.

Should I add pronouns to my email signature?

Yeah!

What else can I do to be inclusive?

• Add your pronouns to your Zoom name, social media profiles, or internal directories/communications like Slack.

• Introduce yourself with your pronouns when meeting new people.

• Add your pronouns to your lanyard, name badge, or desk area.

• Talk to your friends, students, and colleagues about the importance of pronouns and encourage them to add theirs where possible.

• Avoid assuming someone’s pronouns until you know what they are.