In conjunction with LGTBQ+ History Month which is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being LGBTQ+ and to develop a sense of belonging and empowerment for the community. Pronouns are an important part of a person's identity and using someone's correct pronouns demonstrates respect and helps to build a sense of inclusion.

The campus offers resources to support our community, whether you’re learning about pronouns and being an ally for the first time or simply need some reminders and best practices.

Best practices around pronouns:

  1. If someone tells you their pronouns, use them! If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, don’t assume gendered pronouns. Use gender-neutral pronouns, like they or ze.

  2. Remember that you can't tell someone's gender just by looking at their appearance. So, share your pronouns first and invite others to share theirs with you. Then honor their decision to share or not share their pronouns.

  3. Use "they/their" wherever possible to include people who may not identify with the pronouns he/his or she/her.

  4. Incorporate neutral language in greetings. Instead of "Hey, guys!" or "Welcome, ladies!", use "Welcome, everyone!" to make sure all participants feel acknowledged, safe and included.

  5. If you make a mistake and someone corrects you, say "Thank you" instead of "I'm sorry" to own the responsibility for your mistake and then move on. Don’t make a mistake the center of the conversation you were about to have. Practice using someone's pronouns so that you can get this right as soon as possible. Having to correct others who misgender them is exhausting for many transgender and non-binary people.

  6. Respect a person's privacy and journey. Although it is good to ask what pronouns or name a person uses, never ask anyone about gender affirming surgeries or medical transitioning status.

  7. Consider including your pronouns in your email signature or name at work to foster a culture of inclusivity. Remember that for some LGBTQ+ people, disclosing their pronouns may be a source of anxiety, so don't force this practice on others.

³Õ¾±²õ¾±³ÙÌý³Ù³ó±ðÌýCenter for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) for more information on pronouns. CISC is a great place to get resources and trainings, including LGBTQ+ education resources,ÌýLGBTQ+ Inclusion Safe Zone training, and center events.

Remember, being an ally is not a label, it requires action. Sign up for an upcoming Safe Zone Allyship training today! Please feel free to reach out to your CEAS HR team via email at CEASHR@colorado.edu with any questions.