Video Transcription

LGBTIQA+ Pronouns

Pronouns are the words that we use in place of somebody’s name. Pronouns are a way of referring to oneself—he, she. Sometimes people might not feel comfortable with either of those pronouns, and so they might use the gender-neutral they and them. It can go a long way in terms of making somebody feel comfortable and accepted by you.

I think language is really important to members of the LGBTQIA+ community because it really gives us a sense of belonging. We’ve got this kind of really beautiful and fluid community where things keep changing and identities keep growing as people discover that you don’t have to fit into the boxes you’ve necessarily been provided all your life.

The way that we speak about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the language that we use is really important in terms of, I guess, first and foremost, conveying respect.

It’s who they are all the time. It’s when you’re getting a coffee, it’s when you’re going down the street, it’s when you’re booking a hotel—it’s whatever. And it’s really important to ask about them: What are your pronouns?

It’s okay to do that. It’s better than assuming. Have a Google, suss it out, educate yourself.

Video by headspace