Pronouns

UVA's Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR) seeks to cultivate a University community where asking, sharing, and respecting a person's chosen personal pronouns is common practice. This is not simply a matter of semantics or political correctness. Referring to people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming, in particular, by the wrong pronouns, especially intentionally, can have a negative, devaluing impact. In contrast, referring to people by the pronouns they choose for themselves to identify with is a relatively easy but fundamental way to give meaning to a core University value — respect for others.

The English language has a number of pronouns that are used to describe an individual when you are talking about them and many, like she and he, are gendered terms. As such, the use of these pronouns can lead to assumptions that have a powerful impact on interpersonal relationships and community building. As we seek to sustain the practice of sharing, asking for, and respecting chosen personal pronouns, EOCR has made pronoun buttons and stickers available at locations throughout the University community.