Patient Pronouns

A few years ago, the word “pronoun” was something we only ever heard in an English class and even then, many of us struggled to explain the definition. Fast forward to today, and the term has become a part of modern language due to its adoption as part of the gender fluidity and identity movement. 

 

A pronoun is a part of speech that refers to nouns or noun phrases in a sentence. They serve as a substitute for nouns, making it easier to refer to people, objects, or concepts without repeating the noun multiple times. Pronouns are commonly used to indicate a sentence’s subject, object, or possession.

 

Personal pronouns refer to specific people or things. In a sentence, they can indicate the subject (e.g., I, you, he, she, it, we, they) or the object (e.g., me, you, him, her, it, us, them).

 

Possessive pronouns indicate ownership or possession, such as mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, and theirs.

 

In recent years, there has been increased awareness and recognition of gender-neutral pronouns, which aim to be inclusive of individuals who do not identify strictly with traditional binary gender categories. 

 

First, it is important to understand the difference between sex, gender and sexuality. 

 

 

Where pronouns come in is under the banner of gender identity. 

 

When referring to them in the context of gender, pronouns mean the preferred gender pronouns an individual wants others to use to reflect that person’s gender identity.

 

Traditionally, pronouns have been associated with gender, with he/him pronouns used for males and she/her pronouns used for females. However, it is important to recognise that gender is not binary and that individuals may identify outside the traditional male/female categories.

 

Gender identity refers to an individual’s deeply felt sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Some individuals identify as transgender, meaning their gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male is a transgender man, and they may prefer he/him pronouns.

 

It is important to note that not all gender identities are captured by the traditional binary pronouns (he/him and she/her). Some individuals may prefer gender-neutral pronouns, such as they/them, which are inclusive of all genders. 

 

 

Understanding and respecting an individual’s pronouns is crucial because it affirms their gender identity and validates their sense of self. Using the correct pronouns demonstrates respect, inclusivity, and support for individuals’ identities, creating a more inclusive and affirming environment. Misusing pronouns or refusing to use an individual’s preferred pronouns can be hurtful and invalidating and contribute to a hostile or unwelcoming environment.

 

 

Educating oneself about pronouns and being open to learning and understanding different gender identities is a crucial step toward fostering a more inclusive and respectful society where everyone’s gender identity is acknowledged and respected.