Why Pronouns Matter?

Good evening, friends! Let’s talk about why pronouns matter because this is a question we were hit with a lot while beginning our company.

Pronouns are simply words used to discuss people or a person is in everyday life. It’s as easy as that; however, there are more pronouns than we were taught in school because there are more gender identities than were taught. We dive deeper into gender identity at a later time, but it is important to understand that simple fact. There are more pronouns than what we have previously known. These nuance pronouns are known as neo pronouns.

Now, that we have the basics covered let’s talk about why pronouns matter. Pronouns are identified as who we are in a snap moment. Let’s paint a picture, shall we?

David fixes his tie, and sleeks back his hair on his way to his first day of work at the law firm, he has been wanting to work at for years. He enters the glass doors, and is greeted by the receptionist. David says, “I’m meant to speak with Charles.“ And the receptionist smiles, points out a place for David to sit while, she rings him up. “Charles, David is here to see you.“ David overhears Charles say, “Okay, I’ll send someone down. Is she nervous?“ David must have misheard, She? “She appears fine. That’s good though that means she have nerves of steel.“ There was no mistake they were using female-identifying pronouns on David.

Regardless of the way David dressed, people made assumptions about his gender-based on first glance appearances and they were wrong in the assumption. Whether or not we realize it, this happens all the time. We see something and must instantly label it. Whether the labels are correct or incorrect, this is a harmful cycle because it creates a message that someone must look a certain way to hold a certain pronoun. We come in all sorts of packaging, and our language must reflect that.

Pronouns matter because when use you use a person’s correct pronouns it shows that you respect them, and it creates a positive environment for work, friends, and family. Inclusivity is the goal. When a nickname is used that a person goes against that person’s wishes, it is harassment. The same is said about pronouns. A whole fraction of people have not been visible in everyday language, and it is time for that to change. That is why pronouns matter.

Check out this incredible video below for more information.