Using Pronouns

Quick Links to the following sections:

Gender Pronouns

Subjective Objective Possessive Reflexive
She

Her

Hers

Herself

Example:

  • She is talking
  • I am walking with her
  • The scarf is hers
He

Him

His

Himself

Example:

  • He is talking
  • I am walking with him
  • The scarf is his
They

Them

Theirs

Themself

Example:

  • They are talking
  • I am walking with them
  • The scarf is theirs
Ze

Hir/Zir

Hirs/Zirs

Hirself/Zirself

Example:

  • Ze is talking
  • I am walking with hir
  • The scarf is zirs

Tips for Faculty

  • Be Patient With Students. Students exploring gender identity may change preferred names & pronouns more than once.

  • Maintain Confidentiality. Do not "out" students. Understand that “coming out” for Trans people is a different experience than “coming out” as LGBQ.

  • Use the Syllabus to Set Standards. Create a respectful climate: This class will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I encourage your active participation and welcome both respectful discourse and reasoned debate. However, if your language or conduct at any time demonstrates a lack of respect for anyone’s race, gender identity or expression, sexuality, culture, beliefs, or abilities, you will not be permitted to participate further.

  • Model Trans Inclusion. Share your own preferred name and/or gender pronouns when introducing yourself to the class. State if you would like to use a preferred name other than what is on the class schedule, and/or your preferred gender pronouns.

  • Respect Gender Identity. Ask students to share their preferred names and pronouns during initial introductions and respect them.

  • Use Gender Neutral Pronouns. Determine how you will address the use of gender neutral pronouns in written work.

What Not To Do

  • Refuse instead of ask to use preferred names
  • Refuse instead of ask to use preferred pronouns
  • Not address any negative comments made towards Trans students
  • Never ask Trans students about their “real” name, their genitalia or how they have sex or their hormones or surgery status
  • Refuse to allow the use of “they” or “ze” as a gender neutral singular pronoun in academic work without addressing a specific reason.

Publications/Press

Resources

Sources

  • "Gender Pronouns, Created by Trans Student Education Resources (TSER)"
  • "Tips for Faculty and What Not to Do adapted from Trans Issues in the Classroom Presentation by Nancy Jean Tubbs from the LGBT Resource Center @ UC, Riverside"
  • "Pronouns: A How to Guide, Created by the UW-Milwaukee LGBT Resource Center"