Here’s Why People Are Putting Their Pronouns In Their Social Media Profiles
You may have seen people putting their pronouns in their social media profiles and wondered the motive behind it. In short, putting your pronouns in your bio i.e. she/her, they/them is the easiest way to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
As it is being seen more across social media, here is a reminder on why we should all follow suit.
What are personal pronouns?
Pronouns are the words we use when we are describing a person or a person’s action. For example she went shop, He said this the other day. The most common pronouns used are She/Her, He/Him and They/Them but they can vary.
Elliot Page (remember Juno!) came out as transgender in December 2020 and when taking to Instagram to share this information announced that he uses he/they pronouns.
If you are cis gender you may have never questioned your pronouns before or given them much thought. Cis gender refers to people whose identity matches the gender they were assigned at birth.
The importance of cis gender people sharing their pronouns in social media profiles
Cis gender people don’t have to publicly announce their pronouns and this is the exact reason that they should. By putting your pronouns in your social media profiles, you are showing one of the best forms of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As a cis gender person it is important to assert your priveledge and make whatever moves necessary to support those who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Something as quick and easy as sharing your pronouns in your bio can show a world of support to people who are trans or are questioning their gender. If it is something we all do regardless of if we identify as the gender we were assigned at birth or not, it makes it easier and less of a big deal for memebers of the LGBTQ+ community to share theirs.
Sharing pronouns normalises the fact that pronouns go beyond He/Him and She/Her. We should be respectful of everyone.
What if you aren’t sure of your pronouns?
If you aren’t sure of your pronouns just yet then you don’t have to share them. Simple as.
Share your pronouns, only when you feel confident, safe and ready to do so. There is no rush and no pressure. The message we are trying to convey to cis genders is that by sharing you pronouns you create a safe space for members of other communities, such as the trans community, to do the same and not feel like they are the only ones doing it.
How to avoid assuming someones pronouns
If you are not sure of someones pronouns there is no harm in asking! It is a harm free question and we are sure who ever you are asking will appreciate it.
Using they/them, is also a great gender neutral way of addressing someone.
Putting your pronouns in your social media bio takes very little effort and shows a whole lot of support for you LGBTQ+ friends!
Have a watch of this YouTube video on Why Gender Pronouns Matter.