Why do pronouns matter?

Why do we include pronouns in our signatures?

Gender identity and expression are deeply personal matters. 

Gender identity refers to a person’s “internal and individual experience of gender.” A person may identify as being a woman, man, both, neither or anywhere along the gender spectrum. This can change throughout one’s life, meaning that a person’s gender identity may be different from the gender they were at birth. 

Gender expression refers to how a person may choose to express their gender. This can include clothing, hair or make-up, or body language and voice.  

One common way someone may choose to express their gender is through their pronouns and chosen name.  

Why does it matter? 

When we intentionally or unintentionally refer to a person, relate to a person, or use language to describe a person that doesn’t align with their affirmed gender, this is known as misgendering. For example, referring to a woman as “he” or calling her a “guy” is an act of misgendering. 

For individuals with diverse gender identities and gender expressions, being misgendered can feel disrespectful and invalidating; it reinforces exclusion. Moreover, according to the Ontario Human Rights Code, misgendering is considered a form of discrimination.  

By using a person’s pronouns, you demonstrate that you affirm and respect their identity. 

Respecting the pronouns and terminology people use to describe themselves and their identity builds safety and inclusion. 

Why place your pronouns in your signature line? 

As a cisgender person (a person whose gender is in alignment with the sex they were assigned at birth), there is little to no risk in sharing pronouns. A person who is transgender or nonbinary, may not be able to easily share their true pronouns without negative repercussions in their community or workplace.  

Proactively adding our pronouns to our email signature helps normalize the practice for everyone. It is a small way we support individuals with diverse gender identities and gender expressions, and actually makes for a safer environment for everyone. 

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