Personal pronouns

One important expression of gender is through the use of personal pronouns—for example, she/her/hers, he/him/his, or they/them/theirs. Pronouns matter. You may have heard the phrase preferred pronouns. While well intentioned, the modifier of preferred can be diminishing—as pronouns describe identity, and are not a preference. Making assumptions about someone’s pronouns, even if correct, may be offensive or hurtful. Offering your pronouns when meeting new students contributes to a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. 

Examples:

1. She/Her/Hers/Herself
2. He/Him/His/Himself
3. They/Them/Their/Theirs/Themself/Themselves
   1. Though this is singular, when combined with verbs, those are typically conjugated as if it were plural. E.g., “They love this book.”
4. Ze/Hir/Hirs/Hirself
   1. Pronounced  “zee” / “here” / “heres” / ”hereself”
5. Titles:
   1. Ms., Mr., Mx. (pronounced “Mix”)