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](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pronoun%20video%20thumbnail.png)