International Pronouns Day seeks to make asking, sharing, and respecting personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.

Not everyone knows how best to have a conversation about pronouns or even how to ask someone their pronouns, but there are resources to help you navigate those situations. Check out this video for some advice.

I hear a lot of questions regarding pronouns and why they matter, but for transgender and gender non-confirming people pronouns matter, because it is a part of their identity. If someone is gender non-conforming and they are repeatedly referred to as a she or him that is very invalidating and disrespectful to who they are. Here is a breakdown of the gender pronouns and how they are used in sentences.

(Via TSER)

Today is a day to be mindful about how you refer to people and respecting everyone and how they choose to identify. You wouldn’t want someone to call you an it would you? So don’t call someone a pronoun that isn’t theirs.

Learn the pronouns and use them today and every day!