Gender pronouns

For some people, the way they express their gender is not “stereotypical,” meaning that they experience gender in ways that don’t necessarily align with dominant social norms of what it means to be “female” or “male”.

Many parts of society are organized around rigid understandings of binary gender roles, so many people who identify as transgender, gender nonconforming or genderqueer experience social alienation, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, unjust treatment, and other forms of social oppression.

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence acknowledges that transgender, gender nonconforming and genderqueer communities experience domestic and sexual violence at elevated rates, as compared to the general population.^{|LS|1|RS||LS|2|RS|}

We strongly support the growth of robust, inclusive advocacy programs that strive to serve all survivors of abuse throughout the state of Oregon, as well as comprehensive prevention education and public outreach programs to address the roots of violence and oppression.

Gender-inclusive practices

We recommend that all organizations and communities create inclusive space for individuals to identify themselves across the gender identity continuum.

One way is to invite people to introduce themselves with their gender pronoun(s). This practice helps create an environment of mutual understanding and recognition, in which each person can openly express their identities and be respected by and respectful of one another. For this reason, we ask for and print gender pronouns on nametags at events we organize, and some OCADSV staff members include their gender pronouns in their email signatures.

External links

• MyPronouns.org: Resources on Personal Pronouns
• Not Just a Pronoun: How Pride Foundation is Shifting Cultural Norms
• Everyday Feminism: 5 Ways Using Correct Gender Pronouns Will Make You a Better Trans* Ally

Acknowledgements

Content on this page is adapted from works by Gunner Scott, Director of Programs at the Pride Foundation.