Pronouns FAQ

You can introduce yourself with your pronouns, and then ask what they use. For example, “Hi, I’m Ryan and I use they/them pronouns. What pronouns do you use?” If not in the context of an introduction, you could also ask, “What pronouns do you go by?” respectfully and simply.

Correct yourself, and then move on with a quick apology. For example, “I’m sorry, I meant to say they, not she.”

When instructors, supervisors, or student leaders introduce themselves with pronouns, it signals that others can feel validated in also sharing their pronouns, as well as an awareness that pronouns should not be assumed based on name or appearance. For example, “Hello, my name is Joey and I use she/her pronouns.”

If someone else uses the wrong pronouns for someone in your classroom, office, workspace, etc., you can quickly and politely correct them, and then move on. For example, “Actually Laurie uses he/him pronouns.”

Taking a look at your class rosters ahead of time to have an awareness of students’ pronouns will be helpful. However, it is not the only step toward making an inclusive classroom space. Continuing to introduce yourself with your pronouns and asking others who are comfortable to do the same are still important signals of respect and validation, even though you have access to students’ pronouns on class rosters who have elected to share them.

People can also choose to not share their pronouns. If someone in your class, office, team, etc. has not opted in to share their pronouns, you can refer to them by name, or by using “they” pronouns as a gender-neutral option. The important thing is not to assume that unspecified pronouns means you can infer what pronouns to use based on name or appearance. People have different reasons for choosing to share or not share their pronouns; for example, gender non-conforming people and people transitioning need to come out with their pronouns on their own terms. Being respectful of that is important, and keeping that in mind while continuing to not assume anyone’s pronouns based on name or appearance is a helpful practice.

“They” is a singular gender-neutral pronoun option. It is important to note that although “they” pronouns can be used to refer to one person, you would still use it with a plural verb. For example, “they are.” While this may seem tricky to refer to singular person using a traditionally plural pronoun, it’s important to note that they/them pronouns have been used as singular gender-neutral pronouns throughout history. Further, Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of “they” was recently updated to include referring to a “single person whose gender identity is nonbinary.” For more specifics about how to use “they” as a singular pronoun, see the usage chart below.

If you are a student and would like to update your pronouns and understand where your pronouns will display in campus systems, please visit the Registrar’s website.

If you are faculty or staff, you may update your pronouns in Workday, with instructions available on Human Resources’ Workday website. Pronouns are visible in the College’s online directory when accessed on the Bowdoin network