As Pride Month continues across the nation, local LGBTQIA+ leaders are emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting pronouns as
Columbus officials are preparing for a busy weekend in the Uptown district, where several high-profile events and at least two
In a move to help reduce drug misuse and protect the environment, the Columbus Police Department has unveiled a secure
As Pride Month continues across the nation, local LGBTQIA+ leaders are emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting pronouns as a fundamental way to show respect for all individuals.
"Many people, especially those older than 30, aren't familiar with these concepts," said Jeremy Hobbs, director of Colgay Pride, during a recent educational session. "But understanding pronouns is essential to treating everyone with dignity."
Pronouns are words used to refer to people in place of their names. While traditionally linked to perceived gender (he/him for men, she/her for women), many individuals—particularly those who are transgender or non-binary—may use pronouns that differ from what others might assume based on appearance.
Common pronouns include:
Neopronouns—literally "new pronouns"—are gender-neutral alternatives that go beyond the traditional binary options or singular "they."
"Neopronouns like ze/zir, xe/xem, and others provide options for people who don't feel comfortable with traditional pronouns," explained local LGBTQ advocate Harry Underwood, who personally uses they/them pronouns. "For many non-binary individuals, these pronouns better reflect their gender identity."
While neopronouns may seem new to many, their history extends back over a century. Gender-neutral pronouns like "thon" (a blend of "that one") appeared in dictionaries as early as the 1930s, though it was coined in the 1850s. The pronoun "ze" has been in use since at least the 1970s in LGBTQIA+ communities.
"The evolution of language to include neopronouns isn't a modern trend—it's part of how language naturally adapts to express human experiences that traditional structures couldn't accommodate," Hobbs noted.
Underwood explained during Thursday's conversation that misgendering—using incorrect pronouns—can have serious psychological consequences.
"Misgendering can lead to feelings of invalidation and antagonism," Underwood said. "For transgender individuals, this can exacerbate gender dysphoria and, in severe cases, contribute to self-harm and suicide."
Experts recommend these approaches when unsure about someone's pronouns:
"Asking individuals for their preferred pronouns is the most direct approach," Underwood advised. "Using 'they' as a default when unsure is also respectful."
The evolution of pronoun usage reflects broader social changes. While some view this as a recent development, advocates note that people have been changing names and titles throughout history.
"Just as we've adapted to name changes through marriage or professional titles, respecting someone's pronouns is another way we acknowledge their identity," Hobbs explained.
As Columbus continues to work toward inclusivity—including the 2021 proposition for a non-discrimination ordinance that would protect sexual orientation and gender identity—community education remains vital.
National resources for those seeking more information include Lambda Legal, PFLAG, Human Rights Campaign and Georgia Equality.
This article is part of an ongoing series aimed at educating the community about LGBTQIA+ issues and fostering understanding across diverse communities.
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