National Pronoun Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of respecting and using correct pronouns to create an inclusive and welcoming Drake for all. Making it a habit to share pronouns with one another when we gather allows us to create an environment in which we learn not to assume, based on someone’s appearance, gender, or how they want to be referred to in the third person (what pronouns they use). Whether or not any one of us might ourselves be worried we will be misgendered, sharing pronouns proactively regardless, is a meaningful practice for cultivating a community of inclusion and belonging.

Why Pronouns Matter 

Pronouns are an essential part of a person’s identity. Using the correct pronouns for someone shows respect, validates their gender identity, and contributes to a more inclusive environment.

Imagine you met someone whose legal name was Robert but he went by Bob. Would you still call him Robert or would call him Bob?

Imagine if you had a friend who got married (or divorced) and they changed their last name. If they asked you to use their new last name—would you still use their old name?

The answers here are pretty obvious. Use this same logic for pronouns. If someone tells you they use certain pronouns—that’s what you should use. Misusing pronouns is not just disrespectful, it can be hurtful and undermine a person’s sense of self.

Using Pronouns Respectfully 

1. Ask and Share Pronouns

Ask: When meeting someone new or at the beginning of a class or meeting, consider asking for and sharing your pronouns. For example, “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and my pronouns are [Your Pronouns]. May I ask what pronouns you use?”

Normalize: Make it a routine to include pronouns in your introductions and email signatures. This helps create an inclusive atmosphere.

2. Use Correct Pronouns

Once you know someone’s pronouns, make an effort to use them correctly. If you make a mistake, apologize briefly and move on. Dwelling on the mistake can make the person uncomfortable.

3. Respect Privacy

Keep in mind that not everyone may be comfortable sharing their pronouns. Respect their decision, and don’t pressure them.

4. Educate Yourself

Familiarize yourself with gender-neutral pronouns like “they/them” and be open to using them when appropriate.

5. Singular ‘They’

Use “they/them” when referring to someone whose pronouns you don’t know or when someone explicitly prefers these pronouns. This represents another step in the evolution of how we use pronouns. It used to be that “he/him/his” was the default—and you still see that in older laws and literature—the unidentified person was always presumed to be male. It was only a few decades ago, we saw a shift to be more inclusive by switching to: “he/she” and “his/her.” And now we are simply taking another step to be even more inclusive by adopting they/them.

Make Your Pronouns Known at Drake 

Faculty, staff, and students may self-select a pronoun from the list provided on the Personal Information page in Self Service.  If a pronoun is selected, it will be viewable by members of the University community in Starfish, Blackboard, Zoom, and class lists. Pronouns can be updated in Self Service at any time.  The list of possible pronouns will be subject to periodic review. You can contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion to inquire about the review process or the Student Pronoun Policy.

You can also include your pronouns in your email signature block and you can also add them to your name display in Teams and Zoom meetings.

On Wednesday, October 18, we invite all students, faculty, and staff to stop by the Breezeway at Olmstead from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM to pick up a pronoun pin/sticker to show your support for gender diversity and inclusion and share your identity with others. 

National Pronoun Day is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity by acknowledging and respecting everyone’s pronouns. By following these guidelines, you contribute to a more welcoming and respectful community where individuals of all gender identities feel valued and accepted. Remember that learning and growing in this area is an ongoing process, and your efforts to use correct pronouns make a positive impact.

— Terrance Pendleton, Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion