Pronouns Day

Pronouns Day History

Pronouns Day is observed annually to promote awareness and understanding of gender pronouns. This observance aims to educate individuals about the importance of respecting and using correct pronouns for people of all gender identities. It serves as a platform for fostering inclusivity and creating a culture of acceptance.

While the specific origins of Pronouns Day are unclear, the need for such an awareness day arises from the struggles faced by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Language plays a vital role in affirming someone's gender identity, and using the correct pronouns is an essential step towards recognizing and validating individuals' self-identified genders. By celebrating Pronouns Day, advocates hope to generate conversations and encourage actions that promote inclusivity and diversity.

The core purpose of Pronouns Day is to raise awareness about gender pronouns and emphasize their importance in recognizing and respecting individual identities. The day serves as a reminder for everyone to educate themselves about the various pronouns used by people, such as he/him, she/her, they/them, and others. It also highlights the significance of normalizing the practice of asking and using preferred pronouns to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. Pronouns Day typically occurs on the third Wednesday of October each year.

Pronouns Day facts

• While it might seem as a recent development, the use of singular "they" in English to denote someone of unspecified gender can be traced back to at least the 14th century. The Oxford English Dictionary has citations for singular "they" dating to 1375.
• Gender-neutral or gender-inclusive pronouns include they or them. These can be used to refer to a single person. Other gender-neutral pronouns include ze or hir, pronounced zee and here.
  E.g. Ze is an artist. Ze drew this picture hirself.
• The study of how pronouns are used in context is known as anaphora or text cohesion.
• In some languages, politeness and formality can be expressed through the choice of pronoun. For instance, in French, “tu” is used in informal situations, while “vous” is used when being more formal.

In the News and Trending for Pronouns Day

Top things to do for Pronouns Day

• Register for a local event or help organize one.
• Share your own pronouns on your social media.
• Take the time to research and understand the importance of using correct pronouns and how it can foster inclusivity.
• Take the opportunity to update your social media profiles, email signature, or other online platforms with your preferred pronouns. This practice helps normalize the inclusion of pronouns and encourages others to do the same.