Pronouns and How to Use Them

What is a pronoun?

In place of a proper noun, like someone’s name, it is used most often when referring to someone without using their name.

For example, “Have you heard from Tina? She hasn’t messaged me back.” She is the pronoun.

Why do pronouns matter?

For queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and transgender people, the pronouns may not fit how they want to be represented and can create discomfort and cause anxiety and stress.

Gender Identity: Represents one’s internal sense of self. It’s different from gender expression, as it is not outwardly visible to others.

Gender Expression: This is how someone represents themselves outwardly through clothes, voice and other perceived characteristics.

Cisgender: An adjective that describes the person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were at birth. This term is also known as cis.

Transgender: This describes someone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. This term is also known as trans.

Nonbinary: The term is used by those who do not wish to be described as a man or woman.

Agender: This is an adjective that describes a person who does not identify as any gender.

Gender-Expansive: This term describes someone with a more flexible gender identity that is usually associated with the gender binary.

Gender Transition: When someone describes themselves and/or their bodies in alignment with their gender identity. Transitioning can be seen as any of the following; telling one’s family, friends and co-workers, changing names and pronouns, updating legal documents and medical interventions.

Gender Dysphoria: The psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and their gender identity.

Sexual Orientation: When enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to others.

Intersex: An umbrella term to describe people with different reproductive anatomy, chromosomes or hormones that don’t fit into the definitions of male and female.