Ensuring that you correctly identify someone is important both in and out of the workplace. Using the correct gender and gender pronouns creates a safe and accepting work environment where everyone can work productively together. To achieve this, learn about gender identity and pronouns in this guide.
Before we get into the most common gender identity terms, here are some FAQs.
What is a pronoun?
A pronoun is a word used to describe people. Gender pronouns refer to people and are what people choose to refer to themselves as. Some are feminine, masculine, and others gender neutral. These pronouns may or may not match their gender expression (see definition below).
Why is it important to fully understand and respect someone’s gender pronouns?
You can’t always correctly determine what someone’s gender pronouns are just by looking at them. Asking someone allows you to correctly identify them. This not only respects their identity but also allows them to feel safe and accepted too.
How should I go about asking someone for their pronouns?
It can feel uncomfortable to have to ask someone, but they surely will appreciate you wanting to identify them properly. Simply ask them, “Which pronouns do you identify with?” or “Can you remind me which pronouns are your preferred ones?”
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Terms
Affirmed Gender
The gender that matches someone’s gender identity. For example, if someone was assigned male at birth and identifies as female, their gender affirmation is female.
Agender
A term referring to a person without a specific gender. This can be either a non-binary gender identity or just gender-neutral.
Bisexual
Someone who is attracted to more than just one gender.
Cisgender
Someone whose assigned sex at birth aligns directly with their actual gender identity.
Gay
A person who is attracted to people of the same sex.
Gender
A set of behaviors or societal norms associated with being feminine, masculine, etc. Example: male or female
Gender Bias
Behavior that shows favoritism toward one specific gender.
Gender Expansive
A term for someone who has a more flexible gender identity and may not conform to typical gender stereotypes. This does not always mean non-binary, as cisgender people can fit this definition too.
Gender Expression
The way someone physically showcases their gender identity externally, whether through their voice, hairstyle, clothing, etc. It’s important to understand that there are many combinations of gender expression, and it’s not limited to just masculine and feminine. Gender expression doesn’t imply someone’s gender identity.
Gender-Fluid
A person who doesn’t identify with one fixed gender or has a fluid gender identity.
Gender Identity
Someone’s personal sense of self in regard to their gender. This doesn’t necessarily correspond to their biological sex and, many people become aware of their gender identity at different stages of their lives.
Genderqueer
People who reject traditional gender categories and embrace being fluid in terms of their gender identity. This doesn’t always correlate with sexual orientation though. They may see themselves as non-binary or as both male or female or any other way.
Gender Transition
This process occurs when a transgender or nonbinary person alters their appearance with different hormone therapies and medical procedures.
Heterosexuality
People who are attracted to people of the opposite sex. Also known as straight.
Intersex
An umbrella term is used to describe people with different hormones, anatomy, or chromosomes than fit the usual definitions of either male or female. This is not the same as being transgender or non-binary though.
Lesbian
A woman (assigned at birth or otherwise) who is attracted to other women.
LGBTQIA+
An acronym that incorporates everyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and asexual as well as any other queer identities. The + represents all identities that aren’t explicitly described in the letters themselves.
Misgender
The language used to describe someone that doesn’t align with their affirmed gender. For example, calling a transgender woman, a “he” or “him.”
Non-binary
A term used to describe people who fall outside of the traditional binary gender categories: male and female. Also known as genderqueer or gender variant.
Pansexual
Someone who can potentially be attracted to people of any gender.
Polysexual
Poly means many, so the act of being attracted to multiple people at the same time, possibly of multiple genders too.
Pronouns
Words, particularly personal pronouns, are used to match someone’s gender. Examples include she/her, he/him, they/them, and ze/hir. Some people use specific pronouns, some use any, and some use none at all.
Queer
A term used by some people to embrace all sexualities and genders and may not identify with any specific label.
Sex
A person’s biological status that is typically assigned at birth based on anatomy. It usually is either male, female, or intersex.
Sexual orientation
Someone’s physical, emotional, or romantic attraction toward other people.
Transgender
Someone whose gender identity differs from the gender they were assigned at birth.
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FAQs
What is the difference between gender identity and pronouns?
Gender identity is someone’s sense and how they perceive themselves as a specific gender, a blend of some, or none at all. Pronouns are one way to express someone’s gender and how others perceive them. The right terms help to affirm someone’s identity. Using the wrong ones can be demeaning and represent the opposite of inclusion. Ask people for their preferred pronouns so you can ensure that you’re addressing them as they would like to be to avoid any miscommunication.
Are pronouns considered a part of someone’s gender identity?
The pronouns that someone uses are the only ones that should be used for them. Never include gender with pronouns i.e. male pronouns or female pronouns. Pronouns are not tied to someone’s gender identity.
What does non-binary mean?
“Binary” means having two parts. That means that nonbinary is a term to describe an individual who says that their gender doesn’t fall in the categories of male or female gender. Genderqueer is another term used to describe a gender identity that doesn’t identify with either gender.