Pronouns Matter

Stickers are available in the badging office in both BCH Oakland and Mission Bay.

International Pronoun Day is October 16

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.

https://pronounsday.org/

Why Pronouns Matter

Pronouns are used in everyday speech and writing to take the place of people's names. We frequently use them without thinking about it. Often, when speaking of someone in the third person, these pronouns have a gender implied. These associations are not always accurate or helpful.

Mistaking or assuming peoples' pronouns without asking first, mistakes their gender and sends a harmful message. Using someone's correct gender pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their identity.

Information and materials provided by the UCSF LGBT Resource Center

Why is it important for BCH faculty, staff, and students to respect gender pronouns?

The University of California's nondiscrimination policy includes protections for sex and gender identities. A key element of creating a safe space for people of all sexes and gender identities is the respectful use of gender pronouns.
The UCSF PRIDE values set a clear direction for all members of the BCH community to appreciate and celebrate differences in others, creating an environment of equity and inclusion with opportunities for everyone to reach their potential.
Asking BCH community members what their gender pronouns are and consistently using them correctly is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. This can determine within the first few minutes if they will feel respected at BCH or not.
Discussing and correctly using gender pronouns sets a tone of allyship. It can truly make all of the difference, especially for new community members that may feel particularly vulnerable in a new environment.
You can't always know what someone's gender pronoun is by looking at them. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, or hurt.
Many people may be learning about gender pronouns for the first time, so this will be a learning opportunity for the BCH community. You will be setting an example for your colleagues.

Pronoun Stickers

As an anchor institution that recognizes and appreciates diversity, BCH strives to create an inclusive environment for all of our community members. It is important to offer opportunities for all members to share their gender pronouns in settings where they are asked to introduce themselves. Whether you are working with a colleague, peer, or patient – we want to allow for everyone to specifically indicate their pronouns so each individual feels safe navigating BCH.

These stickers aim to reduce instances of misgendering and to make it easier for you to know which pronouns to use for someone you just met, especially if you are not sure about their correct gender pronouns. We encourage everyone to add a pronoun sticker to your BCH ID badge. Stickers are already available in the the badging office in both BCH Oakland and Mission Bay.

UCSF LGBT Resource Center - Pronouns Matter