A pronoun is a word (including I, you, me, he, she, and they) that refers to a noun, when it’s unwieldy to keep referring to that noun by name. When pronouns refer to and represent people, pronouns are usually connected to gender identity, which is the internal, personal perception that one has about one’s own gender. A person may identify on either end of the gender spectrum (man/woman or boy/girl), or in between or outside of it (see
Subsection 6.2.2 and
Subsection 6.2.5 for more). Using appropriate pronouns is as important as referring to a person by the correct name.
People who identify as women typically use she/her pronouns, and those who identify as men usually use he/him pronouns. Individuals whose gender identity does not fit the binary sometimes use they/them pronouns, and—more generally—“they” is becoming increasingly accepted as a gender-neutral, third-person singular pronoun.
Pronouns are important representations of people’s gender identity. If you don’t know what pronouns someone uses, simply ask them, “What pronouns do you use?” If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun, apologize, correct yourself, and remember for next time.
Please consider this section as a starting point rather than a comprehensive guide, and please continue to grow your awareness in your life and education outside this book! Taking courses in
Gender and Queer Studies (
GQS) would be a good way to continue learning, as would getting involved in programs through the
Center for Intercultural and Civic Engagement (
CICE).