ECU staff now have the option to include pronouns on name badges

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ECU staff now have the option to include pronouns on name badges

Wednesday, 31 August 2022

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ECU staff now have the option to include pronouns on their name badge.

Pronouns are the words we often use to talk about a person when we’re not using their name. These might be he/him, she/her and they/them, or a range of neo pronouns, including ze/hir/hirs, ze/zir/zirs and xe/xem/xyrs. Some people might not use pronouns at all, and only want to be referred to by their name.

Displaying pronouns on a name badge is a great way to signal safety and inclusion to trans, gender diverse and non-binary people.

It's important never to assume what pronouns someone uses, based on how they look, act or sound.

Information on including pronouns on staff name badges is now included in ECU's Corporate Style Guide (page 32).

To commemorate this exciting development, we asked some ECU staff why pronouns are important. Here's what they had to say:

"You wouldn't want to mispronounce or use the wrong name for someone - it wouldn't be respectful. Just like names, using the correct pronouns for someone shows respect for them and creates an inclusive environment."
- Constance Wiebrands (she/her)

"Pronouns and using them correctly is important for creating a safe and respectful space for everyone to be their authentic selves. As an Aboriginal non-binary person, identity can be a difficult thing to express. When people ask for and use my pronouns, it shows respect and an interest in who I am. That’s a small gesture that demonstrates inclusivity and is an empowering way to support those around us and our communities."
- Kym Raftery (they/them)

"Politely asking for someone’s pronouns and willingly providing your own promotes inclusion and respect, especially in the workplace. It is important to do this even when it feels ‘unnecessary / obvious’ to help normalise the language.By making pronouns a standard part of the conversation, and displaying pronouns in other settings such as email signature, online profiles and name badges, individuals (especially who identify as gender diverse) know they are communicating with others in a safe and inclusive environment, and affirms their gender identity."
- Phoebe Saunders (she/her)

"I believe that sharing my preferred pronouns with others is important to assist in building a safe and inclusive community for all people to feel comfortable with sharing their pronouns. Sometimes we can be quick to label someone’s gender or to assume their pronouns, depending on the individual’s physical looks or name, which can sometimes lead to misgendering. If we all consciously include our preferred pronouns, we are helping to make a safe space for everyone to include their preferred pronouns, and for their pronouns to be used and respected."
- Paige Newton (she/her)

If you want to learn more about pronouns, you can visit TransHub's resource 'What are pronouns' or practice using pronouns you are unfamiliar with through Minus18's 'Online Activity: A Guide to Pronouns'.

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