What Are…Pronouns? Celebrating Pride at Loughborough College

Pronouns are more than just small words in our language; they are essential tools for expressing identity and showing respect. As our understanding of gender and identity evolves, so does the significance of using correct pronouns.

In this guest blog, celebrating Pride month, lecturer for Media Studies, Connor Winterton (they/them) answers some of the most frequently asked questions around pronouns, and the importance of respecting each other.

A blunt start, but why are pronouns such a big deal these days?

Ah, yes, the classic “I've been doing it forever” defence. Pronouns have always been around, lurking in the shadows of our sentences, quietly doing their job. He/him and she/her are indeed your traditional pronouns, but they’re not one-size-fits-all anymore. It’s kind of like assuming everyone loves pineapple on pizza – some do, some don’t, and some are passionately anti-pineapple. Pronouns are like that, but with less cheese and more personal identity.

But isn’t it just simpler to stick with he/him and she/her? People just get what that means?

Simpler, maybe, but not accurate or respectful. The traditional gender binary, the notion that everyone is either a man or a woman, is about as outdated as corded phones or dial-up internet. Non-binary people, those who don’t fit neatly into “man” or “woman,” often use they/them pronouns. It’s a linguistic shortcut that’s been around since at least 1375, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. So, they/them is like the OG pronoun that’s making a glorious comeback, like a linguistic disco ball reflecting the diversity of human experience.

But what if I accidentally use the wrong pronoun? Will I be ‘cancelled’?

Nope! If you slip up and use the wrong pronoun, correct yourself and move on. It's usually more of a “Whoops, my bad!” moment. Apologise briefly, correct it, and keep going. Think of it like stepping on someone's foot: say sorry, maybe a quick “my bad,” and try not to make it a habit. Try your hardest to get someone’s pronouns correct. It may take some time to consistently nail it (since we are socialised to use he/him and she/her).

I get that pronouns matter to some people, but what if I don’t personally care about them?

Even if pronouns aren’t your cup of tea, they might be someone else’s double-shot espresso or indulgent hot chocolate. Pronouns are a crucial part of some people’s identity and how they express themselves. It’s like wearing your favourite artist or football club’s merchandise – a small but significant gesture of respect. Even if you’re a strong black coffee kind of person, respecting someone’s pronouns is like adding a little sugar or sweetener to their day. Plus, it’s a good habit, like saying “please” and “thank you,” except this time it's “he,” “she,” “they,” or something else entirely (such as neopronouns like ze/zir/zirs). As cheesy as it sounds, it's all about making the world a bit more inclusive, one pronoun at a time.