Including Gender Pronouns in Your Email Signature
What are gender pronouns?
A pronoun is a word that refers to either the people talking (I or you) or someone or something that is being talked about (she, it, them, and this). Gender pronouns (they, she, he, etc.) specifically refer to the people you are talking about.
Why is it important to respect gender pronouns?
- Asking Cal Lutheran community members what their pronouns are and consistently using them correctly is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. By providing an opportunity for people to share their pronouns, you're showing that you're not assuming what their gender identity is based on their appearance.
- Discussing and correctly using gender pronouns sets a tone of respect and allyship that trans and gender nonconforming people do not take for granted. It can truly make a difference, especially for incoming students, faculty, and/or staff that may feel particularly vulnerable, friendless, and/or scared.
- You can’t always know what someone’s gender pronoun is simply by looking at them. It is a privilege to not have to worry about which pronoun someone is going to use for you based on how they perceive your gender. If you have this privilege, yet fail to respect someone else’s gender identity, it is not only disrespectful and hurtful but also oppressive. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, or dysphoric (or, often, all of the above).
- Many people may be learning about gender pronouns for the first time, so this will be a learning opportunity for them that they will keep forever. You will be setting an example for your students and colleagues: If you are consistent about using someone’s pronouns, they will follow your example.
It has become quite common in diverse and inclusive environments to include your gender pronouns in your email signature. This practice helps reduce misgendering and is an important strategy towards inclusivity.