Pronouns: Why We Display This

What are Gender Pronouns?

→ Gender pronouns are words that people use in place of names to refer to themselves or others.

→ Gender pronouns are an easy way of sharing information about your gender identity or other people’s.

→ People may use pronouns in all sorts of situations. Some may not disclose their pronouns at all.

→ Common examples of pronouns are “he / him / his”, “she / her / hers”, “they / them / theirs”, and there are many more examples and combinations.

Why is it important to get pronouns right?

→ Sex does not predetermine a person’s gender. Many people’s gender doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth.

→ We all like to be referred to in a way that makes us feel accepted. This can include the use of our name, gender and pronouns. Making the effort to ensure that someone feels welcomed and accepted is a basic, common courtesy that should be shown to everyone, and using the correct pronouns is part of this.

→ Using people’s correct pronouns shows that you respect them and who they are. Take the lead and introduce your pronouns, to allow people such as the trans and non-binary community to feel safe and comfortable in relaying their pronouns.

Why do Wiper and True team members display pronouns in email signatures?

→ Including pronouns in e-mail signatures helps people to respectfully refer to one another, and avoid mistakes like misgendering someone.

→ If everyone displays their pronouns, it can help to normalise conversations around gender identity.