Why is it important to call someone by their preferred pronouns?

Pronouns, such as she/her, he/him, they/them, and more, are an important part of a person’s identity. Using correct pronouns validates personhood, shows respect, and creates a more inclusive environment. Just like it would be rude and hurtful to continually call someone by a name that wasn’t theirs, it’s harmful to repeatedly use incorrect pronouns.

Using a person’s preferred pronouns has a tangible, important impact. When it doesn’t happen, it can lead to alienation, further violence or harassment, dysphoria, and more. The Trevor Project’s 2020 national survey found that “Transgender and nonbinary youth who reported having pronouns respected by all or most people in their lives attempted suicide at half the rate of those who did not have their pronouns respected.”

When we call someone by their preferred pronouns, we are utilizing a simple yet vital way to respect them and their identity. 

More sources: 

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2020/ 

National Institutes of Health: https://www.edi.nih.gov/blog/communities/what-are-gender-pronouns-why-do-they-matter 

National Conference for Community and Justice: https://www.nccjtriad.org/2021/02/11/why-pronouns-matter/#pronouns 

MyPronouns.org: https://www.mypronouns.org/