Happy International Pronoun Day! Make sure to stop at the Assiniboine Community College Students’ Association to pick up your pronoun pin!

First, let’s start off with commonly asked questions.

What are pronouns, and why do they matter?

Although it may be unconscious, people frequently refer to us using pronouns when speaking about us. Many of these pronouns such as “she” or “him” are gender-implied, simply because pronouns are associated with a girl/woman or boy/man. However, these associations are not entirely accurate, and many individuals make assumptions about the gender of another individual based on appearance. The act of assuming a person’s gender sends a harmful message that they must look a certain way to prove their gender. Respecting someone and fostering an inclusive environment can be as simple as using their preferred pronouns.

How do I know what pronouns to use?

It is as easy as asking that specific person. If you are unsure and don’t feel comfortable asking, you can simply use gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them to avoid misgendering. This may involve, for instance, avoiding the use of sir and ma’am in public unless you are informed of their preferred pronouns.

Examples of how to use Pronouns:

THEY/THEM/THEIRS

• “They are a great cook!”
• “I support them for coming out.”
• “Their new shirt looks

ZE/HIR/HIRS

• “Ze reads.” (zee)
• “I already talked to zir”(zeer)
• “Ze thinks highly of zirself.” (zeerself)

SHE/HER/HERS

• “She is over there.”
• “Her presentation was great!”
• “That wasn’t hers.”

HE/HIM/HIS

• He can’t come in today.”
• “That jacket looks great on him!”
• “His new song is catchy.”

SHE/THEY OR HE/THEY

Use these pronouns interchangeably!

• “She looks so pretty; I wish I had their dress.”
• “She doesn’t look so happy today, maybe we should give them alone ”
• “He is amazing at soccer! I wish I was as great as them.”

What if I make a mistake?

Apologize, correct yourself, and move on with the conversation. LGBT2SQ+ people understand using the correct pronouns will take time and cannot be learned overnight. It is okay to make mistakes, as long as you put in the effort to fix them. However, consistently using the wrong pronouns on purpose is never okay and is harassment.

For further information, don’t hesitate to contact Ali Ramirez, VP of Engagement at SAVPENG@assiniboine.net