A Guide to Pronouns

Whether they hold significance to you as an individual or not, pronouns are an essential aspect of language for everyone. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards using pronouns to reflect an individuals gender, and for many, they are an important element of their identity.

Using correct pronouns is a sign of respect for an individual's gender identity. And misgendering individuals by using the wrong pronouns can be hurtful and damaging to their mental health. Additionally, the use of incorrect pronouns can contribute to systemic oppression and discrimination against non-binary and transgender individuals.

Learning and using correct pronouns is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society. It is important to actively listen and ask individuals for their pronoun preferences.

Singular pronouns

Many think that, traditionally, English pronouns are binary, with "he" for male individuals and "she" for female individuals. However, "they", which is commonly used by those who are gender neutral or non-binary, has actually been used as a singular pronoun since 1375 - take that people who say using "they" as a singular is incorrect english!!

Other gender-neutral pronouns include "ze/hir/hirs," "xe/xem/xyr," and "per/pers."

This is not an exhaustive list

Examples:

‘Charlie works in our HR department. She delivered an informative presentation today about her most recent project.’

‘Luke works in our Recruitment department. He delivered an informative presentation today about his most recent project.’

‘Robyn works in our marketing department. They delivered an informative presentation today about their most recent project.’

‘Alice works in our Sales department. Ze delivered an informative presentation today about hir most recent project.’

‘Greg works in our Customer Service department. Xe delivered an informative presentation today about xyr most recent project.’

‘Alex works in our Development department. Per delivered an informative presentation today about per most recent project.’

Multiple pronouns

For many reasons, some people may wish to use more than one set of pronouns to refer to themselves.

A gender non-conforming person, for example, may feel equally comfortable with they/them, he/him and she/her pronouns. Or, if a trans and gender non-conforming person has not yet come out to a specific person/s, they may use different pronouns so in different situations, for example at work vs at home.

If someone you're communicating with does use more than one set of pronouns, you can ask them what they would prefer you to use. They may prefer you use all of them interchangeably, or keep to one set.

Example

‘Reese has exceeded their targets this year. She plans to apply for a promotion soon.’

Not using pronouns

Some people don't use pronouns at all, and so the correct way to refer to them is by using their name only.

Example

Jay is taking the minutes for Jay’s next meeting’.

Using a persons name is also a way to refer to someone if you're unsure of their pronouns. However, if you do know someones pronouns, it's best to use them.

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are used by those who refer to themselves without the context of gender. While these newer pronouns are less common, it is important to respect every individuals right to use them if they choose to.

Some examples are xe/xir or ze/zir, both pronounced zee and ze-er (rhymes with ‘here’). Some people may use a noun as a pronoun instead.

Example: ‘Raj has been successful in xir interview. Xe starts xir new job on Monday.’

Read further guidance on use and pronunciation.

Global usage

Some languages may not have an established gender-neutral pronoun. In this case, you should simply ask the person how they would like to be referred to. Words used as gender neutral pronouns may exist, but not be common in use.

Some Welsh speakers, for example, may use the word ‘nhw’ as a gender-neutral pronoun. You should always seek to educate yourself on the language of the communities you are working with.

Pronouns in the workplace

Correct use of pronouns is key to helping all staff feel included at work. And it can go a long way towards reassuring trans and gender non-conforming colleagues that they are welcome and included.

At CloudCall we welcome all, regardless of gender and sexuality, and we encourage the correct use of pronouns to ensure every employee feels able to bring their whole self to work.

To ensure you're able to correctly address all of your CloudCall colleagues, here are some tips:

• If you’re not sure what a colleague’s pronouns are, ask them or listen to what pronouns the employee uses. You can also use gender neutral pronouns to refer to someone you’ve not had contact with yet, or simply refer to them by their name.

• Use a colleague’s correct pronouns or form of address once you’re aware of them. It may feel simpler to refer to everyone with gender neutral pronouns (e.g. they/them), but you could accidentally misgender someone by doing so.

• If you make a mistake when referring to a colleague, apologise, correct yourself and move on. Avoid apologising too much, as this can draw further attention to your mistake and make your colleague uncomfortable.

• Practice referring to your colleagues by their correct pronouns. It's probably best to do this outside of work, perhaps by yourself or with other colleagues. For example: ‘This is my colleague Rhiannon, they booked the meeting room earlier.’

Allyship

Pronouns can be used to role model trans and gender non-confirming allyship. Regardless of your pronouns, consider introducing yourself with your name and pronouns at the start of meetings. In a group setting, ask attendees to introduce themselves with names and pronouns if they feel comfortable doing so. Starting meetings this way can allow trans and gender non-confirming colleagues to introduce themselves without feeling pressured to bring up the use of pronouns first.

This step may also help start conversations about how to use pronouns and why they matter. Encouraging other colleagues to do the same can help create a more inclusive environment at work.

Consider adding your pronouns to your email signature by writing, for example, ‘she/her’ next to your name. You may have also seen some social media accounts, such as LinkedIn, include the ability to add pronouns, which you should do if you feel comfortable to do so. This signifies your commitment to inclusion, and helps to prevent clients, customers, or employees from being referred to incorrectly.

Pronouns are a critical aspect of language and are essential to accurately referring to individuals. It is essential to respect an individual's gender identity by using their preferred pronouns and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.