Pronoun Information & Advocacy

Here you will find basic information regarding what pronouns are, why we use them, and how to use them correctly and respectfully. Please contact the LGBTQ+ Center at lgbtqsc@kent.edu with any questions.

Printable Version of Pronouns Page

Chosen name and Pronouns

What are chosen names?

The name a person should be known as. May be different than their legal name.

What are pronouns?

Words used to refer to someone in place of their name.

Why is using the correct name and pronouns important? 

It communicates respect, shows the person that they belong, and allows you to properly connect. 

How should I use these?

  • Use someone's chosen name if you know it - especially if different than legal name.
  • Use someone's correct pronouns if you know them when referring to them.
    • "Graham had that class and they probably still have the book."
    • "Ken said he loved that restaurant!"
  • If you don't know someone's pronouns, you may:
    • Offer yours up first, ask and allow everyone to share theirs but not force it. Example: "Hey, my name is Erica. I use she/her. How about you?"
    • Use gender neutral pronouns like they/them
    • Use their name
  • Apologize, correct yourself, and move on if you make a mistake. Practice correct pronouns for future interactions. 

Common third person pronouns include:

  • He/him
  • She/her
  • They/them

*Please note that there are more pronouns than those listed above and that people may use multiple. 

Questions?

Please contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at diversity@kent.edu or 330-672-2442, or the LGBTQ+ Center at lgbtqsc@kent.edu or 330-672-8580.

Informational Flyers

 

Informational flyer about pronouns titled "What are pronouns?" The information displayed on this flyer is listed to the left of the flyer on the webpage.

What are pronouns? 

Pronouns are a way people can refer to each other or themselves, when not using their name. We use them so we don't have to repeat a person's name over and over again in a sentence. 

Example: "Hi, my name is Mark. My pronouns are they/them. How about you?" "Hello, my name is Gianna. My pronouns are she/they. Thank you for asking!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Informational flyer titled "Importance of pronouns." The information displayed on this flyer is listed to the left of the flyer on the webpage. At the bottom of the flyer, three common third person pronouns are listed: she/her, he/him, they/them.

Importance of Pronouns

Pronouns are one of the ways we portray our identities. When someone asks you to use their pronouns, they are asking for you to respect their identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Informational flyer titled "Neopronouns." The information displayed on this flyer is listed to the left of the flyer on the webpage.

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are a category of new (neo) pronouns that are increasingly used in place of "she," "he," or "they" when referring to a person. Neopronouns can be used by anyone, though most often they are used by transgender, non-binary, and/or gender-nonconforming people. 

Examples:

Spivak Ey laughed I called em Eir shirt That is eirs
Ze Ze laughed I called zem Zir shirt That is zirs
Ze/Hir Ze laughed I called hir Hir shirt That is hirs
Xe Xe laughed I called xem Xyr shirt That is xyrs
[Name] [Name] laughed I called [Name] [Name] shirt That is [Name]'s

Pronoun Advocacy at Kent State

 

 

Picture of basket containing several pins of varying designs, all with different pronouns on them. There are also small informational sheets about pronouns, as well as rubber bracelets with words "LGBTQ+ Center" across the bands.

As part of the LGBTQ+ Center's goal to provide pronoun education and advocacy, we have created small informational handouts as well as several pronoun pins of varying designs. These are available for free at the LGBTQ+ Center (Room 024 on the lower level of the Student Center). Please feel free to stop by at your leisure to grab some and chat with us!

 

 

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