Learn More About Pronouns
The contents of this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not represent an official university position or policy regarding pronouns. Sharing pronouns is a personal choice and always voluntary.
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are linguistic tools that are used in place of nouns, or what is used to refer to others in the third person. For example, if you say “That’s Eric. He is nice,” the word “he” is the pronoun, which is being used in place of “Eric”.
Examples of Pronouns:
- She/her/hers – Example: She laughed at herself.
- He/him/his – Example: He went to find his book.
- They/them/their – Example: They laughed at their own joke.
- Ze/zir/zirs – Example: Ze is a good friend mine.
- Xe/xyr/xem – Example: I think xe is so cool.
- And more – There are many examples of other pronouns, both in English and other languages, like “ella” in Spanish.
Why does this matter?
Like names, pronouns reflect how people want to be respected in their identities. Sometimes people make assumptions about the gender of another person and ascribe pronouns the person may or may not use. Making assumptions can result in harm to members of our community, including those who are transgender and nonbinary.
Misgendering refers to accidentally or purposefully attributing a gender to someone that does not align with their gender identity. Referring to someone by pronouns they use is one way to demonstrate respect for them as a person and help avoid harm.
Pronouns as Part of Introductions
Choosing to include your pronouns as part of an introduction is a way of sharing with others how you want to be referred to and respected in a certain space or group of people. When more people choose to do this, it normalizes the process of sharing and promotes a sense of belonging and community. Sharing pronouns is always an invitation, never a mandate. There are many reasons someone may not want to share.