Gender Pronouns: Don’t Assume

Before I became aware, there was a few times I used the wrong pronoun and felt awful. Subsequently, when I wasn’t sure if I should say he or she (was clueless… didn’t know of others) I’d use their name when addressing folks. It wasn’t until I interned with The CSPH that I was educated on the use of gender pronouns. I no longer say you guys either.

As a result, I’ll ask if you have a specific pronoun when conversing, and I say folks or you all.  Additionally, there is information on the Trans Student Educational Resources website.

Once, I mistakenly called someone her instead of they and despite my sincere apology their tone when stating, “It’s they” was very rude.  I didn’t feed in to their negative energy.

I feel that if someone isn’t being malicious there is no need for hostility. For instance, my voice was deeper because of a cold once, but I didn’t speak to the customer service rep in an abrasive manner when they said sir.

Ultimately, we all need patience when learning something new. We should all respect one another too.