Put Your Pronouns in Your Social Media Bio!
We are currently living in an age that is extremely dependent on social media to make connections with others, especially with the situation surrounding the global pandemic. While you can tell a lot about a person by what they post on social media and their bio, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out pronouns for individuals. This is what started a movement that is hugely popular amongst transgender and non-binary folks on Twitter, to put their pronouns in their Twitter bios so that others do not accidentally misgender them.
Should Cis-Gender Folks Put Their Pronouns in Their Bios too?
Absolutely! First, it shows that you, as a cis person, support the trans/nonbinary community and using their respective pronouns. Second, if cis people put their pronouns in their bios, then it will eventually normalize the action and make transgender and non-binary folks less of a target for cyberbullying based on their pronouns. It is also important to note that not all transgender and non-binary people have their pronouns in their bios, and this could be for many reasons. This person may not be out as transgender yet, or not in a position where they feel safe sharing that identity online. It is important as trans-allies to not pressure them into putting their pronouns in their bio, allow them to do so in their own time and comfort.
How Does This Support Transgender and Non-Binary Folks?
Not only does this help to normalize the action, but it can also cause others to stop and think about gender-norms. We all have preconceived notions of how people should look and how they fit into the gender binary, but even if you fit into those norms, having your pronouns in your bio will make others stop and think about how you could potentially present as “feminine” and use they/them or he/him pronouns.
While I understand that this action is not going to completely rid the internet of malicious comments, it is a small gesture through the power of social media to create a safer and more inclusive space for folks of all gender identities.
Lexicon Pronouns – How a person identifies; ex: she/her, he/him, they/them etc. Transgender – Someone whose gender is different than the one they were assigned at birth. Non-binary – A person who does not identify as masculine or feminine exclusively. Cis-gender – Someone who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth. Trans-ally – Someone who is not transgender, but supports the trans-community. Gender-norms – What is considered “normal” within the realm of gender; ex: blue is for boys, pink is for girls etc. Gender binary – The classification of gender in two binaries; masculine and feminine.
Want to know more? Here is a source made by a member of the trans-community: https://prnsinbio.carrd.co/#
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