A pronoun is a word that refers to someone who is talking (like "me" or "you") or a person being talked about in the third person (like "she" or "him.") They're a way to talk about someone without using their name.
Third-person pronouns are gendered in many languages, which is why it's important to be intentional, inclusive, and accurate when using them. Commonly used pronouns are "she/her," "he/him," and "they/them."
Using the right pronouns for someone, even when they are not around to hear you, is a meaningful sign of respect. It's not just polite; it's the right thing to do. Regardless of whether a person is using new pronouns for the first time, or if they've been using them for a long time, it's equally important to make sure we use the right words when talking about them.
When trans and non-binary people experience misgendering—having someone else use the wrong name or pronouns—it can be awkward, painful, or even unsafe.
A 2018 study of trans and non-binary youth found that using the correct name and pronouns greatly reduces the risk for depression and suicide. For most trans people, it's also important that you use the right language even when referring to them in the past. For example, "When Jordan was a baby, they loved their stuffed teddy bear."
At the end of the day, it's simple: using affirming language is about letting someone know you accept who they are.
When you proactively share what your own pronouns are with others, you send a signal that you are an aspiring ally and help reduce the stigma or awkwardness many people feel when talking about gender pronouns. You also help make it easier for trans and non-binary people in your life to more comfortably share their own pronouns and reduce the risk of being misgendered.
Just ask! It's always okay to say something like, "What pronouns do you use?" or "What pronouns would you like me to use when I refer to you?" Always use someone's pronouns unless they ask you not to in certain situations (like if they are not yet out at school or to friends/family, or if they are concerned about their safety in public.)
In English, "they" is used as a plural pronoun, but it's also a valid and grammatically correct singular third-person pronoun. It's used by many trans and non-binary people as a gender-neutral pronoun.
If you're someone who thinks it sounds a little strange or off, consider this: you've likely been using a singular "they" in your day-to-day conversations already when you don't know or want to assume someone else's gender. For example: "Uh oh! Someone left their wallet here by accident. Let's try to return it to them."
If someone shares with you that their pronouns are "she/they," it means either pronoun is fine.
If you're ever unsure, just ask the person.
Neopronouns are a type of pronouns other than the most common ones we know in a particular language. So, in English, neopronouns include sets like "xe/xir" and "ze/zir." About 4% of queer youth and 2% of queer adults use neopronouns.
Despite having "neo" in its name, neopronouns aren't really that new: their use has been documented since the 12th century. They're also used basically the same as you would any other pronoun. For example: "Dylan ate zir food quickly because ze was so hungry."
For even more information and usage examples, check out the neopronoun guide from the Human Rights Campaign.
It's perfectly normal to not always know the right words to use, or to simply make a mistake and say the wrong word. Just apologize, correct yourself, and move right along. There's no need to spend a lot of time on it, which might make the other person uncomfortable; they will know you care through a quick apology.
How you respond to misgendering likely depends on the scenario: who are you talking with, and are you safe?
It's okay to experiment and to change your mind: you can ask trusted friends or family to try new pronouns when referring to you and see how it makes you feel. You might have very strong feelings, or might not care too much which pronouns folks use for you. Any way you feel is valid.