NICHQ Communications & Pronoun Use

At NICHQ, we work with people from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and locations. Voluntarily using people's correct pronouns can help to create a respectful and inclusive community. As part of our ongoing commitment to equity in all forms, NICHQ has developed guidance for staff and partners around use of pronouns.

For more about our philosophy and approach to language in the field of maternal and child health, read our recent Insight, Exploring a Nonbinary Approach to Health, written by Heidi Brooks, NICHQ's Chief Operating Officer.

Why Pronouns Matter

Pronouns, like personal names, are connected to a person's identity. Just as we can show respect by calling others by their correct name(s), we can show respect by using the correct pronouns. Using the wrong pronoun can make a person feel uncomfortable and possibly invalidated or alienated.

A person’s name or physical appearance doesn't necessarily indicate their gender or the pronouns they use, so we should avoid making gender assumptions based on these. Names are often culturally linked, and many names are used for different genders. It can be challenging to determine a person's gender from their name alone. And some people don't identify with a binary gender.

Commonly Used Pronouns

Where Organizations Can Use Pronouns

Email signatures
Zoom names
Staff website pages
LinkedIn profiles
Verbal Introductions

What if I don't want to share?

There are many reasons why people may choose not to share their pronouns. Some examples include:

They do not identify with any pronouns in use
They are uncomfortable revealing their pronouns in a specific context
Fear of repercussions
Other

Whatever the reasoning behind the choice not to identify your gender pronouns, the point is that you have the choice. The goal is to provide people with the opportunity to share their gender pronouns.

Content adapted from Academic Guides: Diversity and Inclusion: Gender Pronouns. (2021). Retrieved 17 May 2021, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/diversity-inclusion/pronouns

LGBT Equity Center: Sharing Your Pronouns video thumbail — *Video from LGBT Equity Center: Sharing Your Pronouns Mypronouns.org*

Related Content

NICHQ Employee Spotlight: Nathaniel Ray Pickett, Ph.D.

Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee, asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. This month, NICHQ Web & Product Manager Nathanial Ray Pickett, Ph.D., shares his untraditional path to working in MCH, while highlighting his passion for equity, resisting oppression, and giving voice to the voiceless.

TRANSCRIPT | Connecting Infant and Maternal Health Outcomes – Prematurity Awareness Month

Our main story this episode highlights he links between maternal and infant health, and the impacts of preterm birth on health outcomes for mothers, birthing people, and babies. Hear from NICHQ VP of Equity and Innovation Dr. Stacy Scott, Ph.D. D, MPA, who shares some equity considerations regarding disparate rates of preterm birth, infant mortality, and maternal mortality. Dr. Zsakeba Henderson, MD, FACOG, NICHQ’s senior health advisor, also connects the impact of maternal health on infant health outcomes while shining a light on the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and current policy initiatives that can help reverse maternal mortality trends.

NICHQ Employee Spotlight: Callie Rowland

Each month, we’re shining a spotlight on a NICHQ employee, asking them to share their memories, advice, and goals. This month, NICHQ Project Manager Callie Rowland, MPH, shares her passion for working to affect change in the system, serving all mothers and children, and working for an organization that aims to help create more equitable systems.

4 Strategies for Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care for People Living with Sickle Cell Disease

Whether transitioning to college or a full-time job, it's a time when young adults are going to be establishing their independence from their nuclear family and taking responsibility for their own needs. For a young person with special healthcare needs such as SCD, the responsibilities are compounded by the additional need to begin transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Read more for four helpful strategies for transitioning from pediatric to adult care for people living with sickle cell disease and other special health conditions.

TRANSCRIPT | Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Transitioning to College, Equity Considerations, and Resource Sharing

Our main story this episode highlights the need for resources for people living with sickle cell disease and strategies for transitioning from pediatric to adult care. We also reflect on National Infant Mortality Awareness Month and hear from NICHQ team member about connecting their personal and professional passion for equity. Thanks for joining us!

For our main story in this episode we are joined by Summer 2023 NICHQ Communications & Digital Strategy interns Amalia Hirschhorn-Martinez and Katie McCormick. They speak with members of the NICHQ team about our upcoming webinar focused on infant safe sleep and breastfeeding messaging and NICHQ’s continued work to ensure health professionals and the communities they serve are supported with the necessary tools and resources to create safe sleeping environments and improve breastfeeding and chestfeeding rates.