This has made it easier for trans, nonbinary, and other LGBTQ+ people to let everyone know how they’d like to be addressed—and sharing your own personal pronouns (even if your personal pronouns line up with the gender you were assigned at birth) is a way to show respect and be inclusive of everyone. Here’s a quick primer on how to include everyone by using the appropriate pronouns. If that isn’t an option, volunteer your own to encourage them to share theirs. For example, “Hi, I’m Eileen and I use she/her pronouns. What pronouns do you use?” GLAAD also suggests using the pronouns that are consistent with the person’s appearance and gender expression (for instance, if they wear dresses and go by the name Ella, she/her is probably safe), or using the singular “they.” The solution: Apologize. “If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun for someone, apologize quickly and sincerely, then use the right pronoun moving forward,” according to GLAAD. “It’s best not to make a big deal out of your mistake and draw attention to it—that just makes everyone more uncomfortable.” Avoid misgendering a colleague repeatedly—as misgendering a person could be considered harassment in a workplace. While many people who use neopronouns may be nonbinary, they could also identify as male, female, or something else entirely. “When cisgender people share their own pronouns in meetings, social situations, email signatures, etc., it creates an environment where transgender and non-binary people feel they can safely share their pronouns, too,” GLAAD says.
