GENDER PRONOUNS
CASA-OC VALUES DIVERSITY IN ALL FORMS, INCLUDING GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION. WE PROACTIVELY INCLUDE GENDER PRONOUNS AS PART OF OUR EFFORTS TO BE GENDER-INCLUSIVE.
WHAT ARE GENDER PRONOUNS?
Gender pronouns are the words that people choose to refer to themselves.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMONLY USED PRONOUNS?
she/her/hers
he/him/his
they/them/theirs
ze/hir/hirs
Just my name, please!
This is not an exhaustive list of all pronouns, which do evolve. If you ask someone's pronoun and you have not heard it previously, it is not insulting to ask for the spelling and different conjugations. Just let the person know you are asking to make sure their pronouns are respected.
HOW DO YOU ASK SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR GENDER PRONOUN?
As part of an introduction, you can say “Tell us your name, your role, and if you’re comfortable, your gender pronoun.” You might hear gender-neutral pronouns like “they, them, theirs” – or some people prefer that you simply use their name. In a one-on-one conversation, the best way to ask is with a straightforward: “What are your gender pronouns?” or “Can you remind me of which pronouns you like for yourself?”
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RESPECT GENDER PRONOUNS?
Consistently using someone's correct pronouns shows respect for that individual's gender identity. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, that person may feel dismissed, alienated, or unwelcome.
Pronouns are a matter of self-determination. We can't assume someone's gender identity based on appearances.
Many people may be learning about gender pronouns for the first time. We are proud to facilitate awareness about these important issues.