Pronouns – What are they?
![Mairi stands outside Crew2000 smiling broadly. In the window is an LGBTQIA banner and a sign that says 'Take care with sex' and 'Happy Pride' in colourful lettering.](https://get2gether.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/290587230_5478889485494615_1974539119030757764_n-1024x1365.jpeg)
Earlier on this month we had a Skillshare, all about pronouns, identity and acceptance led by get2gether member, Peer Mentor and activist: Mairi! (a.k.a Elliot, she/ him). Read on for his blogpost all about pronouns!
A person’s identity is their own. Pronouns are being mentioned a lot recently – what are they? Pronouns are how we refer to one another. They are there to make individuals feel comfortable and secure in their gender identity.
![](https://get2gether.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/1ad1ef25108351.563419b8a9c42.png)
“In my personal opinion, the best way to find out a person’s pronouns, is to just ask them directly. If you are ever unsure about a person’s pronouns then just ask! We are all human beings and it is okay to make mistakes.” Mairi
![](https://get2gether.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/gender-pronouns01.png)
Next time you meet someone new, why not ask for their name and pronouns?
For example:
Mairi: Hi there! What is your name and your pronouns?
Ella: Hi! My name is Ella, and my pronouns are ‘she/they’. Thanks for asking!
Here are some examples of pronouns in sentences:
Mairi is a fantastic peer mentor. She makes sure that everyone feels safe. He also is brilliant at checking in with people and asking questions.
Ella has been working with get2gether for almost a year. They love their job. And she especially like interacting with members.
Finally, it is important to not assume someone’s gender based on their appearance. Somebody might dress in a masculine way and have short hair, for example, but it doesn’t mean that they identify as a man.
The key to understanding pronouns is sensitivity and compassion.