Inclusive Language Matters.

These opening words each Sunday remind us of our highest common calling – to know, to name, to honor each other as our full selves. These words call us to be authentic, and to honor the authenticity of others.

We share our personal pronouns in our email signatures and in introductions for the same reason we list our names—so we know what to call one another. Just as we do not know a stranger’s name until they tell us, we also do not know another person’s pronouns until they let us know.

As part of our work to honor the sacred worth and dignity of every person, we are committed to referring to all people using the language they themselves determine to be most appropriate. This includes using pronoun series we may not be familiar with yet. (From UUA.org)

Some notes and suggestions about pronoun use in community

Being inclusive and welcoming means learning and growing in our awareness of gender identity and diversity, and being more comfortable with language that changes and adapts as we strive to honor diversity and openness in our communities.  Intentional pronoun use is one way to honor and welcome people of various identities, as well as understand and acknowledge our own identities.  Knowing that it is a learning process, and holding each other in grace, here are some notes to help with how to use pronouns intentionally in community:

• Introduce yourself using your name and pronoun & make space for others to do the same.
• Remember that pronouns may change for individuals and are not always linked to their gender identity
• If you make a mistake, simply correct yourself or offer a quick apology, showing respect and care.
• Be mindful, but try not to focus on, pronouns. Some may not prefer much, or any, attention to their pronouns.
• Be gentle with yourself, and with others.
• It is okay to make mistakes, to admit mistakes, and try to be more careful and mindful going forward.