Pronouns and Inclusive Language
Pronouns matter
Pronouns are used in everyday speech and writing to take the place of people’s names. We frequently use them without thinking about it. Often, when speaking of someone in the third person, these pronouns have a gender implied. These associations are not always accurate or helpful.
Mistaking or assuming peoples’ pronouns without asking first, mistakes their gender and sends a harmful message. Using someone’s correct gender pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their identity. Join the Lionel Cantú Queer Resource Center as we aim to advance the knowledge of using everyone’s correct gender pronouns and strive for a more inclusive environment.
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are words that refer to either the people talking (like you or I) or someone or something that is being talked about (like she, they, and this).
Gender pronouns (like he or them) specifically refer to people that you are talking about.
Commonly used gender pronouns
People use a variety of pronouns based on their identity. Here’s a helpful chart with examples:
| Subject | Object | Possessive | Possessive | Reflexive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| He | Him | His | His | Himself |
| “He studied” | “I called him” | “His pencil” | “That is his” | “He trusts himself” |
| She | Her | Her | Hers | Herself |
| “She studied” | “I called her” | “Her pencil” | “That is hers” | “She trusts herself” |
| They | Them | Their | Theirs | Themselves |
| “They studied” | “I called them” | “Their pencil” | “That is theirs” | “They trust themselves” |
| Ze or Zie (“zee”) | Hir (“heer”) | Hir | Hirs | Hirself |
| “Ze studied” | “I called hir” | “Hir pencil” | “That is hirs” | “Ze trusts hirself” |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Some people may use multiple pronouns or none at all. The best practice is always to ask and use the pronouns someone shares with you.
Why pronouns matter at UCSC
The UC nondiscrimination policy protects individuals based on sex and gender identity. Respecting people’s pronouns supports a culture of equity and belonging—values at the heart of the UCSC Principles of Community.
Using someone’s correct pronouns:
- Affirms their identity and humanity
- Communicates allyship and respect
- Helps build safer, more welcoming classrooms and communities
- Can significantly affect whether someone feels seen and supported
Misusing or ignoring someone’s pronouns—even unintentionally—can cause harm. It may make someone feel disrespected, alienated, or unsafe. Many people may be learning about gender pronouns for the first time, so this will be a learning opportunity for the UCSC community. You will be setting an example for your colleagues.
How to be inclusive
As names and pronouns can change over time, it’s helpful to regularly include pronoun check-ins during meetings, introductions, and other group settings. Asking about a person’s pronouns might feel awkward or unfamiliar at first—but it’s far better than making assumptions that could be inaccurate or hurtful.
Here are some everyday ways to practice pronoun inclusivity:
Share your own pronouns:
- Add them to your email signature (e.g., Jordan Nguyen | they/them)
- Include them in your Zoom or Google Meet display name
- Use them when introducing yourself (“Hi, I’m Maya and I use she/her pronouns.”)
Ask others respectfully:
- “What pronouns do you use?”
- “How would you like me to refer to you?”
- “Can you remind me which pronouns you like for yourself?”
Normalize pronoun check-ins in classrooms, offices, and social spaces. Some people may not wish to share their pronouns in every setting—respect privacy and never pressure someone to disclose.
Educational resources
- MyPronouns.org: A comprehensive guide to personal pronouns.
- “Want to know how to ask people about their pronouns? Here’s why you already do”: Article by Dr. Lal Zimman, UCSB Asst. Professor of Linguistics, helps frame the social use of pronouns and names.
- ‘Ask Me’: What LGBTQ Students Want Their Professors to Know: “Misgendering” refers to using the wrong pronouns or other gendered language for a person—learn more about the impact of misgendering in this video by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
- “When Will ‘They’ Ever Learn?”: Linguistic evolution of singular they.
Acknowledgements
With gratitude to the UCR LGBT Resource Center and UCSF LGBT Resource Center for the inspiration and guidance that helped shape this page.