At Hawkeye, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values the diverse identities and experiences of all our students, faculty, and staff.
Recognizing and using the correct pronouns for each individual is an important step in this direction. Here's why:
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Affirms Identity: For many, pronouns are a fundamental expression of who they are. By using the correct pronouns, we acknowledge and respect that individual's identity.
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Promotes Well-Being and Belonging: Constantly being misgendered can be a source of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. By using the correct pronouns, individuals feel that they are a valued part of the community, reducing feelings of loneliness and alienation. This helps individuals feel safer and contributes to better mental well-being.
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Promotes Inclusivity: Being intentional with pronouns ensures that all members of our community, including those who are transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming, feel seen and respected.
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Educates the Community: By emphasizing the importance of pronouns, we also provide an opportunity for learning and growth. This creates a space where everyone is encouraged to understand and respect the diverse identities present on our campus.
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Reduces Assumptions: Making assumptions about someone's gender based on their name or appearance can lead to mistakes and unintentional harm. Asking for and using correct pronouns reduces these potential missteps.
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Cultivates Respect: Just as we prioritize calling someone by their correct name, using the right pronouns is a basic way of showing respect and dignity.
By integrating the practice of recognizing and using correct pronouns, we're working towards a more inclusive, respectful, and understanding campus culture at Hawkeye Community College. We encourage all members of our community to join us in this endeavor by sharing, asking, and respecting pronouns.
Using Pronouns Correctly
Using pronouns correctly is a matter of respecting and acknowledging individuals' identities. It's crucial for promoting an inclusive environment, especially for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. Here's a guide on how to use pronouns:
Understanding Common Pronouns
She/Her/Hers: Used by some women and can refer to singular or plural entities. "She is my friend. That book is hers."
He/Him/His: Used by some men and can refer to singular or plural entities. "He is my brother. I borrowed his pen."
They/Them/Theirs: Often used as a gender-neutral singular or plural pronoun. "Alex said they would come by around 3 PM. That's their notebook."
Using Pronouns in Sentences
Subject: "She is my friend." / "They are my friend."
Object: "I called him yesterday." / "I called them yesterday."
Possessive Adjective: "Her pen is blue." / "Their pen is blue."
Possessive Pronoun: "That book is hers." / "That book is theirs."
Asking for Pronouns:
When meeting someone for the first time and you're unsure of someone's pronouns or in contexts where it's relevant (like at inclusive events or groups), it's respectful to ask: "What pronouns do you use?" or "How would you like to be addressed?"
Some individuals might use pronouns that are less common or that you might not have encountered before. Always strive to use the pronouns individuals provide and, if uncertain about pronunciation or usage, it's respectful to ask.
Introducing Yourself with Pronouns
"Hi, my name is Jordan, and my pronouns are they/them."
Doing this can create an environment where others feel comfortable sharing their pronouns too.
Correcting Mistakes
If you use the wrong pronoun for someone, quickly apologize, correct yourself, and move on. "She — sorry, they said they would come by later."
Avoid lengthy apologies. If you mistakenly use the wrong pronoun for someone, quickly apologize and continue with the correct pronoun. Prolonged apologies can be more embarrassing or uncomfortable for the person you misgendered, and it might make the individual feel obligated to comfort you.
Avoid Making Assumptions
Don't assume someone's pronouns based on their appearance, name, or any other characteristic. It’s always best to ask or wait for them to share.
If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, try defaulting to they/them/theirs.
Using Pronouns in Various Contexts
In group situations, it can be helpful to do a round of introductions where everyone shares their name and pronouns.
If you're an educator or leading a meeting, set the tone by introducing yourself with your pronouns and inviting others to do the same.
Using Gender-Neutral Language:
In situations where you don't know someone's pronouns or when referring to a general audience, employ gender-neutral terms. Examples: "Everyone should bring their notebook" instead of "Everyone should bring his or her notebook."
Respect Confidentiality
If someone shares their pronouns with you in a private context, don't share them with others without permission. Their disclosure to you doesn't necessarily mean they are out to everyone.
Educate Yourself
Engage with online resources, such as the Gender Pronoun Blog, which offer guidance on their correct usage.
When able, attend workshops or seminars that provide knowledge on gender identities and the importance of pronouns. The more you know, the more confidently and respectfully you can navigate conversations.
Common Myths About Pronouns
Myth: Pronoun usage is only for transgender and gender non-conforming students.
Fact: We all have and use pronouns in our everyday lives, regardless of gender identity.
Myth: “They/Them pronouns don’t make sense! They are only used to refer to multiple people, not a single person!”
Fact: Not only is They/Them a singular pronoun, it is also grammatically correct! See this resource from Perdue Owl.
Myth: Pronoun usage promotes ideas, theories, or politics I don’t believe in.
Fact: Pronouns are an everyday part of our lives and are not restricted to a certain demographic or political party. Pronouns are a part of language, speech, and grammar.
Myth: I won’t use preferred pronouns because “I disagree” with them.
Fact: You can not simply “disagree” with pronouns. Refusing to use someone’s preferred pronouns is hurtful, offensive, and rude. It may even make them feel unsafe, disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, and/or alienated. Regardless of personal opinion about preferred pronouns, it is important to refer to people by what they identify as to remain respectful.
Myth: “I won’t need to use pronouns or ask for them, I can just tell!”
Fact: It’s not wise to assume what pronouns someone may use based on what they look like. Gender expression (The way we present ourselves, dress, and style our hair) is not an indicator of what gender someone is or what pronouns we use. It is better to be respectful and ask! This is a kind gesture that will ensure you both have a great interaction!
Creating a Professional Email Signature with Your Pronouns
Jane Johnson, MA (she, her, hers)
Instructor
Hawkeye Community College
319-296-2320 ext.5555
Also see Creating a Professional Email Signature.
Additional Resources
The following are additional resources to help you understand the importance of using correct pronouns.