On behalf of the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People (CCSLGBTQP)
As we approach another fall term, the Chancellor’s Committee for the Status of LGBTQ+ People would like to remind the UIC community the importance of using a person’s correct name and pronouns.
Referring to people by the name and pronouns they determine for themselves is a basic human dignity. Using someone’s correct pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them.
Just as it can be offensive or harassing to make up a nickname for someone and call them that nickname against their will, it can be offensive or harassing to assume someone’s pronouns and refer to them using those pronouns if that is not how that person wants to be known.
Actively choosing to ignore the pronouns someone has stated that they go by could imply the oppressive notion that intersex, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people do not or should not exist. Acknowledging someone’s correct pronouns contributes to that person’s well-being by reducing harm and further trauma.
Our Committee encourages all UIC community members to learn more about LGBTQ+ persons and reinforces our commitment to greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals at UIC with the following resources:
- Update your preferred name and personal pronouns in Banner and on Zoom
- We know that pronouns can change and UIC community members are welcome to update as needed.
- UIC Gender and Sexuality Center
- UI Health LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care
- UIC Bias Reporting Tool: Bias Reporting & Prevention
- For Allies: Navigating Allyship
- For Faculty:
- Make use of engaged teaching strategies to foster interaction with students.
- Ask your students what they’d prefer to be called and make a note on your roster.
- Coming Soon: Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence Pronoun Usage