understanding pronouns!

6/10/22

hello cherubs! as promised, today we are going to be discussing pronouns!!

to some, it may seem weird that this is a topic that we need to discuss, but to be honest, it isn't talked about enough.

as it is pride month, this is the perfect time to be discussing it. pronouns are typically to be assumed by many people, but that doesn't mean it's always true.

we know what it means when we assume....

in the LGBTQ+ community, the use of pronouns can seem out of the ordinary. to outsiders, the use of choosing your own pronouns can seem odd. but what this community is trying to change is the stigma around pronouns.

it's not uncommon, especially in the 21st century, to come across someone that has different pronouns that you would "normally" assume they'd have. it is becoming more and more popular for anyone and everyone to provide you with their pronouns (either in bios on Facebook or instagram, or even now in Zoom meetings).

for those who are allies to the LGBTQ+ community, displaying pronouns makes the community feel seen. we understand that displaying and informing about our own pronouns, even if they are what people would typically "assume," makes it easier for them to inform and display of their own.

pronouns can include:

• he/him/his

• she/her/hers

• they/them/theirs

• a person's name

sometimes no pronouns match a person's identity. in this case, they will just ask that you call them by their name instead.

pronouns can often be something we overlook and ask ourselves, "why would someone want to change them?"

changing pronouns helps the individual feel more themselves. their identity may not match what we would typically use. so this is their way of saying, "this is what I am more comfortable with."

if you happen to misgender someone, which means calling them by the wrong pronouns, what should you do?

the easiest thing to do is apologize, correct yourself, and move on. but if you feel the need to, you can personally apologize and explain that you are trying your best and simply made a mistake.

people that are using pronouns that you might not be used to understand that people are going to make mistakes. they know that people will misgender them often. typically they won't be upset as long as you show that you are making an effort to use the correct pronouns.

like I said before, for most people this is new. often when someone is using different pronouns, they know that people aren't always going to use the correct ones. all they really expect is respect of their own personal choices.

the worst thing you can do is be disrespectful, I found an informative post on Pinterest that explains what you do when you don't respect someone's pronouns:

in the world we live in, we don't need more hate. we need more kindness and understanding and willingness to learn and grow.

using someone's correct pronouns isn't hurting you, it's helping that person feel comfortable in their own skin. it helps them feel loved and seen and appreciated.

I do understand that it may be hard to correct a behavior that you have been used to your entire life. but these people aren't asking you to change your whole belief system, they just want to be respected and accepted, just like you.

it's easy to be kind. it's easy to show love.

you don't have to agree, you just have to be nice.

if you know someone that isn't used to new pronouns and is disrespecting someone that you know or are friends with, please stand up for them!! it's easy to say "hey, their pronouns are actually ____" and just go on with it. you don't have to be mean or rude, just stick up for that person and it will go a long way.

p.s.- if I know you personally and know that you don't use someone's correct pronouns, I will correct you. it's not to be mean, I just like to make sure everyone is accepted and respected (:

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I hope you guys liked this week's post! ill see you in the next one!

xx Loryn