Pronouns

General Information

Pronouns are words that are used to refer to people in place of their names. Such words include, but are not limited to; I, we, us, me, she, he, and they.

While this page is primarily regarding pronouns used in the English language, it is important to note that most (but not all) other languages also include pronouns.

Languages with pronouns have them because they make it easier to communicate.

When it comes to transgender people, having others use their preferred pronouns can be very gender-affirming and cause gender euphoria.
When someone communicates their pronouns to you, its very important to be respectful and use said pronouns.
Failing to consistently use someone's pronouns, especially if they have told you what they are can cause gender dysphoria.

On the internet, it is common practice to add your pronouns in your bio (profile description) so that others know how to refer to you. This is especially helpful on more anonymous platforms where you may not necessarily show your face, but wish to provide clarity on how others should refer to you in discussion.
Even if you are not transgender, or you are on a platform where you are showing your face, providing your pronouns is still good practice.

General Questions

What are preferred pronouns?
Preferred pronouns are the pronouns that an individual would prefer to be called.
For example, a cisgender man would typically prefer to be referred to using "he" and "him."

What pronouns do nonbinary people use?
While they/them pronouns are most commonly associated with nonbinary people, what pronouns every idividual will use varies depending on personal preference and gender.

What do I do if someone uses more than one pronoun like she/they or he/it?
Sometimes people prefer to use more than one pronoun, and that's ok! If you are talking to or about someone who uses more than one pronoun, simply switch between the pronouns used every so often.
Here's a tip - people who use more than one set of pronouns typically get used to only hearing one of those sets. If you are able to put in the effort to use more than just the one set of pronouns, it is sure to brighten the day of the person you are talking to.

What does it mean if someone uses any/all?
Any/all pronouns refers to when someone uses... well... any and all pronouns without a preference. Lke with people who use more than one set, simply swap between whatever pronouns you feel like.

What do if I don't know someone's pronouns?
Ask, or use they/them until you know what their pronouns are. Once you know someone's correct pronouns, there isn't really an excuse to use anything else. Unless you are trying to be disrespectful, which I would discourage.

What do if someone doesn't use pronouns?
Don't use pronouns for that person.

What are nounself pronouns?
Nounself pronouns are (typically) created via substituting various object nouns in place of pronouns. Nounself pronouns are particularly common among neurodivergent non-binary individuals who use xenogenders.
For those who use them; nounself pronouns.
Example: Doll/Dolls/Dollself, Star/Stars/Starself.

What are emoji pronouns?
Emoji pronouns are simply that - emojis used in replacement of pronouns.
Not typically intended to be spoken out loud, these unique pronouns are typically used to express one's identity online. They are also sometimes used by younger trans people in an effort to try and stay closeted if they live in an unsafe household where transphobic family members may try and peek at their messages.
Example: 🦑/🦑self

Common Pronouns

Subject/Object/Possessive Determiner/Possessive Pronoun/Reflexive

Ae/Aer/Aer/Aers/Aerself

Ey/Em/Eir/Eirs/Emself

Fae/Faer/Faer/Faers/Faerself

He/Him/His/His/Himself

It/It/Its/Its/Itself

One/One/One's/One's/Oneself

She/Her/Her/Hers/Herself

They/Them/Their/Theirs/Themselves

Thon/Thon/Thons/Thon's/Thonself

Xe/Xem/Xyr/Xyrs/Xemself

Ze/Hir/Hir/Hirs/Hirself

Additional Resources

LGBTQIA Fandom - Neopronouns
Mermaids UK - Neopronouns
Merriam-Wester Dictionary - Pronoun
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - They
Merriam-Webster Dictionary - Thon
promova - English Grammar - List of pronouns in English
Pronoun Dressing Room
pronoun page
them - Gender-Neutral Pronouns 101: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know
well and good - Neopronouns Are a Form of Gender-Neutral Pronouns, and Understanding How To Use Them Is Key To Allyship
Wikipedia - Neopronoun