My Pronouns Are e5278

Happy International Pronouns Day!

by Francesca Volpe

 

Being addressed or described with the correct pronouns is an experience that many cisgender people take for granted. But for many trans and non-binary people, the simple measure of being called the accurate pronouns can be a significant instance of validation and support for one’s identity. Additionally, it can have a positive effect on one’s physical and mental health.

Today, Wednesday October 16th marks the second International Pronouns Day. Started by a group of LGBTQ activists in 2018, the campaign “seeks to make asking, sharing, and respecting personal pronouns commonplace,” Luca Maurer, one of the founders, wrote for The Advocate.

 

In October, 2018, The Journal of Adolescent Health published a study from the University of Texas at Austin which found that chosen name use is related to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior among transgender youth. When trans and non-binary people are referred to by the wrong pronouns, it gives credence to marginalization and violence, resulting in circumstances that put people’s health and safety at risk. Violence against the transgender community, particularly women of color, has been consistently on the rise.

In his article for The Advocate, Maurer detailed that violence and hostility against trans and non-binary individuals “is often demonstrated by intentional or repeated use of the wrong pronouns.” “Using the right pronouns is a critical step in acknowledging the humanity of transgender and non-binary people,” he continued.

 

To celebrate/support International Pronouns Day, people of any gender are encouraged to share their pronouns on social media and/or add them to email signatures and social media profiles. Sharing pronouns regardless of one’s gender normalizes the experience and makes it inclusive, so the responsibility is not just on trans and non-binary people. Pronouns align with one’s gender identity and acknowledging their importance is a crucial step towards creating safe and inclusive spaces.

 

Header photo courtesy of Ted Eytan via Flickr

 

More from BUST

Mattel Releases A Gender-Inclusive Line Of Dolls

Protesters Call For More Focus On Violence Against Trans Women Of Color At CNN’s LGBTQ Town Hall

At Least 12 Trans People Have Been Murdered This Year—And All Of Them Were Black Women

You may also like

Get the print magazine.

The best of BUST in your inbox!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

About Us

Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

©2023 Street Media LLC.  All Right Reserved.