Gender Pronouns Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are linguistic tools that we use to refer to people. It is important to give people the opportunity to state the correct pronouns to use when referring to them. Pronouns should never be assumed.
Why are they important?
Asking your peers what pronouns they use and consistently using them correctly can make them feel respected.
How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?
Introduce yourself with your own pronouns and then ask theirs: “My name is Farah and I use they/them/theirs pronouns. What about you?”
What should I do if I make a mistake?
Correct yourself, but without making a big deal out of the situation.
Take an active role.
Some people may not want to attract a lot of public attention to their pronouns, while others will appreciate it if you stand up for them. For example, if someone uses the wrong pronoun for a person who isn’t present, try a brief correction: “I think Dylan uses she and her pronouns. And yes, I’m going to her house later too!”
Gender Pronouns
[Name] | [Name] laughed | I called [name] | [Name]’s phone | That is [name]’s | [name] likes [name]’s self |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
She | She laughed | I called her | Her phone | That is hers | She likes herself |
He | He laughed | I called him | His phone | That is his | He likes himself |
They | They laughed | I called them | Their phone | That is theirs | They like themself |
Ze | Ze laughed | I called hir | Hir phone | That is hirs | Ze likes hirself |
If you have questions or want to learn more, stop by the QRC (Keefe 213) or email us at qrc@amherst.edu.
Faculty and Staff Guide to Gender Pronouns
- As a faculty or staff member, you are in a position of power. Asking for and using correct pronouns sets an example for students in your class and/or for your professional peers.
- If other students, faculty, or staff are consistently using the wrong pronouns for someone, do not ignore it! Remind them of the correct pronouns and move on.
- Educate yourself, your class, or department by requesting a Queer/Trans 101 Training or by requesting a consultation meeting with the director, Hayley Nicholas, or the assistant director, S. Gibson.
- Email qrc@amherst.edu to have our staff deliver a workshop on queer and trans identities and ways of participating in active allyship.
- Know the resources on campus that are available for queer and trans students. For example, students can enter pronouns on Workday and Moodle; request a new ID card free of charge with their chosen name; utilize their names and pronouns on internal documents (health center, counseling center, etc.); and much more.
Sample Script for Introducing Pronouns
(developed in collaboration with WGC and CISE, Summer 2020)