International Pronouns Day

October 16 is International Pronouns Day (the third Wednesday of October)

A key principle of trauma-informed care is about creating spaces that are physically and emotionally safe for everyone, and creating inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environments for individuals who may have experienced trauma. Asking someone what their pronouns are shows respect for their identity and validates their experiences. Helping people feel seen, heard, and understood is the foundation for building trust in relationships between providers and the individuals they serve.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Don’t assume someone’s gender
  • Actively challenge your own internalized stereotypes and biases about gender identity
  • Have multiple understandings of gender
  • Ask people what their pronouns are
  • Invite group participants to share their pronouns when introducing themselves if they would like to and feel comfortable doing so
  • Apologize after misgendering (using the wrong pronoun) but don’t make it performative (not making it about you and your journey)
  • Use gender-neutral language as a general practice
  • Commit to continued learning and awareness

By incorporating these practices, we can minimize the risk of re-traumatization and create more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.

For more resources and information about pronouns, gender inclusive language and International Pronoun Day, check out this resource page: https://pronouns.org/day