A GUIDE TO
PRONOUNS AND THEIR MEANING He/ Him
It/ Its
Ally
By the LGBTQ+ Staff Network They/ Them
Ze/ Zir
ABOUT THE LGBTQ+ STAFF NETWORK Values Statement
Vision/Mission Statement
The University of Suffolk LGBTQ+ staff network
The University of Suffolk LGBTQ+ staff network
is a fully inclusive group that offers a safe space
will strive to work closely with the University and
to discuss and work towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity,
collaborate with community groups to put on various
equality and diversity within the University
activities throughout the year to promote, engage,
community, and more widely within Suffolk.
and educate, to enrich the lives of the LGBTQ+
We are a group for all members of staff, whether in
community. We aim to do so to promote the network
professional, support or academic departments.
and inclusivity, and tolerance more widely.
We are a judgement-free group where people, regardless of their gender and sexuality, can build networks for socialising, support and academic
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Lauren Smith, Culture Business Partner.
purposes. Our group operates with an expectation of confidentiality and discretion, which all members and guests should respect. We provide a safe environment which encourages discussion in a non-judgmental and supportive way. This is a space for education and advocacy, where we can challenge discrimination and provide visibility and representation for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pronoun badges have been provided for staff and students to wear, and these have been made available across several locations in the University, including in the Student Centre, Student Union, Enterprise and Careers Zone, the Atrium and the Library.
“What are these?” Pronoun Pins
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Created and funded by the University of Suffolk Staff Network, a pronoun pin enables you to easily identify another person’s pronouns. We are happy to offer a diverse range. If you can’t find your pronouns represented, please take one with a white box so that you can write your own. If you use multiple pronouns, please take more than one! A pin is also a sign of solidarity
Ey/ Em
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with LGBTQIA+ staff and students, therefore this year we are also offering ‘Ally’ pins! Please feel free to take one to wear on your lanyard.
PRONOUNS AND INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE Below is a brief overview of pronouns and inclusive language. This is by no means an exhaustive guide to treating everybody equitably
What are pronouns? Pronouns are linguistic tools that we use to refer to
the same and demonstrate that we understand the
people. (i.e. they/them/theirs, she/her/hers, he/him/
importance of sharing pronouns. Using someone’s
his). We believe that it is important to give people the
correct pronouns is an important way of affirming
opportunity to state the pronoun that is correct to
someone’s identity and is a fundamental step in
use when referring to them.
being an ally.
Pronouns are integral to who we are, and we share
Common pronouns include she/her/hers, he/him/
pronouns because we want to avoid assuming
his, and they/them/theirs. There are other nonbinary
someone’s pronouns based on factors like
pronouns. It is important to ask people what their
appearance (e.g. referring to a group of femme
pronouns are. If you have questions, politely ask the
presenting people as ladies). By sharing our own
person if they feel comfortable giving examples of
pronouns routinely, we encourage others to do
how to use those pronouns
Examples of pronouns
Subject
Object
Possessive
(f)ae
(f)aer
(f)aer
(f)aers
(f)aerself
e/ey
em
eir
eirs
eirself
he
him
his
his
himself
per
per
pers
pers
perself
she
her
her
hers
Herself
they
them
their
theirs
themself
ve
ver
vis
vis
verself
xe
xem
zyr
xyrs
xemself
ze/zie
z/hir
z/hir
z/hirs
z/hirself
Example: Ze reminded zirself to pick up zir umbrella before going outside
Reflexive
How you could ask:
How you could share:
“What pronouns do you use?”
“I’m Jade and my pronouns are ze and hir.”
“What pronouns would you like me to use?”
“Leo, I prefer they and them, but he is fine too.”
Try to avoid using the phrases “preferred pronouns”
Other approaches to pronouns:
or “preferred name” as these suggest an element of flexibility or that someone’s identity is less than valid. Someone’s name and pronouns are not suggestions and are not preferred over something else. They are inherent to who we are. Keep in mind some people may use certain pronouns in some contexts and not in others due to a variety of
“ Just my name, please.” “ No preference!” “It’s better if you mix ‘em up!” “No pronouns for me!”
They/them/theirs pronouns: While we might typically think of “they/them/theirs”
factors, including safety. For example, a person may be openly transgender or trans* at work but not at home with their family. Some people use different names and different pronouns depending on the context. It can be helpful to clarify in what situations someone uses certain pronouns. Remember it is up to each
as a plural pronoun, we actually use they to refer to an individual all the time without realizing it. When we refer to a person whose gender we do not know, we might use they as the pronoun: “I got a call from the doctor today.” “What did they say?”
person how and when they choose to share part of
In this example, ‘they’ is used as a pronoun to refer to
their identity with others.
an individual.
Why can’t I just assume someone’s pronouns by looking at them? By assuming someone’s pronouns based on how they
This is not always the case, and it is important to
look, one is implicitly reinforcing harmful stereotypes
understand and respect each individual’s identity.
about gender expression.
This is why we want to ask, not assume, someone’s
For example, that masculine-looking people always
pronouns and make a habit of introducing ourselves
use he/him/his pronouns.
with our pronouns.
She/ Her
Xe/ Xir
Per/ Per
Ve/ Ver