Here are a few ways you can be more inclusive and affirming when it comes to pronouns: Our approach is to replace the O or the A with the letter E. For Spanish, where almost every adjective, noun, and article are either grammatically masculine (with the letter O) or feminine (with the letter A), there are a wide variety of adaptations that can be used to convey gender neutrality. This includes our communications in both English and Spanish. This is how we operate at The Center, too: Until we can ask an individual or a group of people how they identify, we default to neutral language. Like with anything worth doing, practice makes perfect and your efforts will be appreciated. When in doubt, use neutral pronouns (they/them) when referencing someone until you have a chance to ask. Remember, mistakes happen and that’s ok! Acknowledge your mistake the same as you would any other-recognize, apologize and move on. Taking the time to get to know a person better will help everyone feel more connected and respected. Your assumption can leave a person feeling invalidated and dismissed. While pronouns are pivotal to an individual’s gender identity and how they relate to the world and others, it is important to keep in mind that a person’s pronouns are not exclusively linked to gender and may not match your perception of that individual.

It is directly linked to our sense of self and the sense of being male, female, both or neither.

Gender identity is our internal, individual experience of gender. Pronouns & Gender Identity-Ask, Don’t Assume!

He him his