05/05/2021
Gender pronouns are words like he, him, and his or she, her, and hers that are traditionally used to refer to individuals who identify as male or female, respectively. Now, as more people recognize that gender does not always align with how an individual looks or feels, it is increasingly seen as insensitive to assume which pronouns a person uses. Adding your gender pronouns to your signature block informs others of how you wish to be referenced and lets them know that you are open to using their gender pronouns, as well. Using someone’s gender pronouns when writing or speaking is respectful and promotes diversity at UMGC.
Here are some pronouns in common use; new ones emerge regularly.
He/him/his typically used for individuals identifying as male.
She/her/hers typically used for individuals identifying as female.
They/them/their typically considered gender-neutral and used for individuals who might not identify as strictly male or female.
Ze/hir/hir considered gender neutral. Ze (sometimes spelled zie or xe, and pronounced zee) replaces she/he/they. Hir (pronounced like here) replaces her/hers/him/his/they/theirs.