What's With These Pronouns
07/01/2023
I'd like to take a moment just to think about some things. Light and dark are always here, like embers to a flame. They flicker in and flicker out; they do this as you age. So go and fight the darkness, for the light is yours to claim.
Recently a dear friend asked the question, “What’s with all these people putting pronouns after their names? It is constantly in your face.” Perhaps others have wondered about the same thing so it may be time to explain so we may all understand the reason it is done, and why it is important.
The reason begins in the Transgender community. You see the suicide rate in the Trans community has been 66% of trans folks who have thought about suicide, made a plan, or attempted suicide. More recently, because of the all the attacks on the Trans Community by politician attempting to demonize trans individuals, that percentage has increased two points to 68%. Locally we have a large Transgender and Non-binary support group. When I attended their meetings and we have approached this topic, I have asked the question, how many in this room have ever contemplated suicide, made a plan, or attempted suicide, and 100% the people in the room raised their hands. So, this is why it is important. This is why we do it. When you use a preferred pronoun and preferred name, you are quietly telling folks; “I see you, I hear you, I respect you.” This is especially important for educators, when dealing with young people to let them know, “I see you, I hear you, and I respect you.”
A common trait among young transgender and non-binary individuals is to self-isolate themselves and this self-isolation leads to dark thoughts. So, if a teacher or counselor uses their preferred name or pronoun it can brighten the whole attitude of a young individual.
A study done in 2018 by Russell Pollitt, A. Li, and Grossman showed that using a transgender youth’s chosen name and pronouns reduced depression symptoms by 71%, it reduced thoughts of suicide by 31%, and reduced suicide attempts by 65%. So, if just using a pro-noun might save just one kid’s life, isn’t it worth it. It may be a little different than you are used to, but if it can prevent a kid from going to a dark place, I am all in. When I talk to educators about this topic, and I show them the statistics, they too begin a volunteer personal policy of using pronouns. We want students to know; We see them, We hear them, and We respect them, when such a small thing can make such a huge difference. In speaking with them I do encourage modeling, being an example to others about the use of pronouns, and now you to know why. That is why it is important, that is why I do it. It is up to you, what will you do?
Recently a dear friend asked the question, “What’s with all these people putting pronouns after their names? It is constantly in your face.” Perhaps others have wondered about the same thing so it may be time to explain so we may all understand the reason it is done, and why it is important.
The reason begins in the Transgender community. You see the suicide rate in the Trans community has been 66% of trans folks who have thought about suicide, made a plan, or attempted suicide. More recently, because of the all the attacks on the Trans Community by politician attempting to demonize trans individuals, that percentage has increased two points to 68%. Locally we have a large Transgender and Non-binary support group. When I attended their meetings and we have approached this topic, I have asked the question, how many in this room have ever contemplated suicide, made a plan, or attempted suicide, and 100% the people in the room raised their hands. So, this is why it is important. This is why we do it. When you use a preferred pronoun and preferred name, you are quietly telling folks; “I see you, I hear you, I respect you.” This is especially important for educators, when dealing with young people to let them know, “I see you, I hear you, and I respect you.”
A common trait among young transgender and non-binary individuals is to self-isolate themselves and this self-isolation leads to dark thoughts. So, if a teacher or counselor uses their preferred name or pronoun it can brighten the whole attitude of a young individual.
A study done in 2018 by Russell Pollitt, A. Li, and Grossman showed that using a transgender youth’s chosen name and pronouns reduced depression symptoms by 71%, it reduced thoughts of suicide by 31%, and reduced suicide attempts by 65%. So, if just using a pro-noun might save just one kid’s life, isn’t it worth it. It may be a little different than you are used to, but if it can prevent a kid from going to a dark place, I am all in. When I talk to educators about this topic, and I show them the statistics, they too begin a volunteer personal policy of using pronouns. We want students to know; We see them, We hear them, and We respect them, when such a small thing can make such a huge difference. In speaking with them I do encourage modeling, being an example to others about the use of pronouns, and now you to know why. That is why it is important, that is why I do it. It is up to you, what will you do?