At work, we are switching from WebEx to Zoom and the profile settings for Zoom have an option to show your pronouns. I’ve been listing my pronouns for awhile even though only a few other people have.
The company where I work has a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiative, so I’m comfortable listing my pronouns even though people are probably judging me for it. I have a typical male name and have a beard, so I don’t get misgendered. But I do it as a statement of what I believe about gender.
What are some reasons to list pronouns? Well, if you have a name that is ambiguous, it helps others to know whether you are a man or woman. For example, Kelly or Shannon or Sydney or Lindsey could be a name for a man or a woman. Or how about Chris? Is it short for Christopher or Christine? So why not include your pronouns in your email signature?
My main reason for sharing my pronouns is to show that I am an ally. Not everyone fits in the traditional gender binary and hopefully as more people share their pronouns, folks whose gender expression is different from traditional gender identities will have the courage to be their authentic self.
Sharing pronouns is more common among millennials and Gen-Z, who seem to accept more variety in gender expression. I’m a boomer, so it feels like I’m sticking my neck out, especially as the culture wars heat up. But it is my way to say it’s OK to express yourself in a non-traditional way.
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