Greetings STARFLEET,

Continuing our IDIC discussions from the USS Battle Born, today we’re talking about pronouns. These are often contentious subjects, especially given the current environment. It’s also a small thing that means the world to people.

A pronoun is a substitute for another word, typically a proper noun. We use them in speech all the time, like the possessive pronoun in “Sally got on her bike.” Pronouns can also be used to refer to something mentioned early in the speech.

Moving to gendered pronouns, people who are born where the gender they feel matches their birth genitals are called cisgender. This is the most common arrangement, and thus social norms build on it.

Transgender, agender, non-binary, and many other identities experience a difference between how they feel and their birth genitals. When someone realizes that this happens to them and that it’s not something everyone experiences, people begin to transition socially (if it’s safe) so that what they feel is how they are treated by other people.

Changing pronouns is often the first step in transitioning to living authentically. It’s also typically part of the initial coming out announcements/reveals. Often, hearing someone you’ve known for a while use the right pronouns initially is a cause for joy.

Many people who transition also experience backlash. Friends refuse to use the new pronouns claiming they forgot. Parents who say it’s too hard to change their words after spending X years raising you. These events sting, and not everyone has the option to move out or cut people out of their lives.

Using the right pronoun matters, and it can honestly make someone’s day. Use the pronouns someone specifies when they introduce themselves, even if you need to practice a little bit while you’re away from the person to get it right. As a diverse organization, chances are, you will meet someone who appreciates your effort.

Be Kind, STARFLEET.