Why are pronouns important?

Why are pronouns important?

By: Holly Blais and Katie Engebretson

We, Katie and Holly, offered to write this blog post about "pronouns" to help teachers understand the "why" behind it. Initally we talked about all of the info we could present, or links, facts and ideas. It didn't sit well with us. It is not about telling but us holding a space for lived experiences to be shared and hopefully heard. Pronouns are important and here is why it matters to you Blue Hawks.

"What we are ethically called to do is create a safe space in our schools and classrooms where all students can walk in and, for that day or hour, take off the crushing weight of their armor, hang it on a rack, and open their heart to truly be seen." Brene Brown, Daring Classrooms.

You are respected. You are safe. You belong. Step through the threshold into our community and it is expected that all of us demonstrate one of our core values: Respect. We are all Blue Hawks. We are a part of a community of individuals who all have value. We may interact or communicate in different ways. We all have various histories and learning experiences. We also have many things in common. what we share is a right to be in the building, to feel respected, safe, valued and engage with one another in a way that will have ripple effects, creating a better future. Now more than ever educators need to demonstrate respect for the diversity that exists in humanity. No truer words are spoken about why using pronouns, as asked by the person, is important than from one of our own staff members and a parent: "You don't need to agree, or even fully understand, but you do need to demonstrate respect."

"As a parent [speaking to coworkers and fellow Blue Hawks]...

• I should not be aware of what the ideas and viewpoints of my child's teacher are.
• I should be aware that my child's chosen name is used as their name.
• I should be aware that may child's chosen pronouns are acknowledged and used.
• I should be aware that there is some level of understanding of how much courage and strength it took for my child to share this with the world."

Using the pronoun(s) a member of the community asks of you is one of the most important ways to demonstrate respect for that person. They feel heard. They feel valued. They feel seen.

"It is suicide prevention" was a response from one of the students in the EHS Equality/GSA Club when we asked them, "Why is the use of someone's pronouns important to them?" The response resonated. Statistically, "usage of chosen name resulted in a 29% decrease in suicidal ideation and a 56% decrease in suicidal behavior." (Gender-Affirming Care for Youth, 2020).

Respect was identified as the resounding reason presented by the members of the GSA Club as to why pronoun usage is important. Students want nothing more than to be valued and seen. Things like using pronouns in email signature lines helps. Providing ways to share pronouns or not, helps. Asking students to be a part of educating and sharing knowledge about pronouns, helps. Knowing there are gender neutral bathroom options, helps. Hearing that the adults are finding ways to learn more, helps.

It helps the community here at Exeter High School to be a brave space of kindness and respect for all.

Each of these resources have useful definitions, explanations of why it is important to use proper language with students and the impact it has on their academic engagement and most importantly, their mental health. If you would like more information or resources for creating a more inclusive classroom, please ask! We have many to share!

Minus 18: What are Pronouns and Why are they important?

This video is great! We love when we can share from the perspective of the students who are living this experience we are trying to educate ourselves on.

GLSEN Educators Pronoun Guide

One take away we really like from this guide is the reminder that we should move away from using the terms "preferred pronoun" or "preferred name." It is their pronoun and name.