Understanding gender pronouns is at the heart of fostering respect, inclusion, and accurate representation in discussions about transgender and non-binary identities. This blog delves into the role gender pronouns play, drawing from foundational concepts shared in our first class session.
Table of Contents
The Semiotics of Self: Gender Symbolism and Transgender Identity
Semiotics examines how signs and symbols—like clothing, language, and social behaviors—form and communicate aspects of one’s identity. For transgender and non-binary individuals, these semiotic markers are especially powerful:
- Clothing: More than fashion, clothing becomes a statement of self, signaling gender identity in public spaces. For transgender people, what they wear can influence their safety, visibility, and sense of authenticity.
- Social Norms: Everyday behaviors, vocal styles, and body language are often dictated by society’s expectations of “male” or “female” conduct. Adhering to or challenging these behavioral scripts can impact how individuals are perceived and accepted.
- Linguistic Markers: Here, gender pronouns act as verbal signs. The use of the correct pronoun can affirm someone’s gender identity, while misusing pronouns can have a profound negative impact.
These signifiers shape both how society views gender and how transgender and non-binary individuals experience their own identities.
Normativity of Gender Symbolism
Gender symbolism refers to the meanings attached to gender by society—meanings that influence individual behavior and societal expectations every day. Historians and sociologists have shown that early 20th-century norms leaned heavily into the binary gender model, casting it as both a moral and social standard.
- This is seen in common practices: school dress codes, sports, communication patterns, and even textbooks.
- Such symbolism subtly polices behavior, reinforcing binary ideas of what men and women “should” be like.
- For transgender individuals, these expectations can bring conflict—but can also be resisted by embracing and expressing one’s true self.
Dress, for example, has been historically regulated to enforce binary roles (as with sumptuary laws). Transgender people may use attire intentionally both as a form of resistance and as a means to experience safety or authenticity.
Social Norms and Segregated Spaces
Public spaces often reinforce binary gender divisions:
- Restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas are still designed for only “male” or “female” users. This leaves non-binary people and those who don’t fit traditional categories without safe, affirming options.
- Behavioral scripts—the silent social rules about how men and women should act—add to this pressure, often making transgender and non-binary individuals hyper-aware of their movements, voice, or appearance.
Challenging these norms requires intentional action, and language plays a pivotal role.
Semiotics of Language: What Are Gender Pronouns?
Gender pronouns (he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.) are words used to refer to people without using their names. For many transgender and non-binary people, the right pronoun is not a minor detail—it is a central affirmation of identity.
- He/him/his: Traditionally masculine
- She/her/hers: Traditionally feminine
- They/them/theirs: Often used by non-binary or gender-nonconforming individuals
Why Is It Important to Respect People’s Pronouns?
Using someone’s correct gender pronouns is one of the most basic ways to respect their gender identity.
- Misgendering (using the wrong pronoun) can make someone feel disrespected, invalidated, or even dysphoric.
- Gender-neutral pronouns like they/them do not associate a gender with the person, allowing for greater inclusivity and respect for those who do not identify strictly as male or female.
- When we normalize sharing and respecting pronouns, we help create safer, more welcoming environments.
How Do We Learn About Someone’s Preferred Pronouns?
- We ask, never assume. By consistently asking for pronouns at the start of group meetings or classes, we encourage people to share them in a safe, everyday way.
- If unsure, use their name. If someone is uncomfortable sharing their pronouns or doesn’t volunteer them, it’s okay to use their name instead.
- Privacy matters. Not everyone is comfortable sharing pronouns in public, so consider private conversations if needed.
What If We Make a Mistake?
- Gently correct. If you (or someone else) use the wrong pronoun, correct yourself briefly and move on without creating extra discomfort.
- Don’t center your feelings. It’s important not to make the person who was misgendered responsible for comforting the person who made the mistake.
- Speak up. If someone repeatedly misgenders another person, don’t ignore it—address it calmly and assertively.
Gender Pronouns: Semiotics, Resistance, and Evolution
Naming and using personal pronouns can be confronting, especially in societies where only binary pronouns are familiar or available.
- Gender pronouns in English are limited, which makes it harder for transgender and non-binary people—especially from non-English speaking backgrounds—to find words that resonate with their gender.
- Naming personal pronouns actively pushes back against fixed gender binaries and unconscious heteronormativity.
- Gender-neutral pronouns express inclusivity, diversity, and resistance to narrow categorization.
A Historical and Global Perspective
- The singular they has been a part of English since at least 1375, appearing in literature such as “William and the Werewolf.”
- Colonization and the spread of English have sometimes erased or marginalized native gender-neutral pronouns and forms of gender expression in many cultures.
- Modern scholarship encourages revitalizing both traditional and new ways of naming gender beyond binaries.
Practice Questions
1. Why is it important to ask for someone’s gender pronouns rather than assume them?
Asking for gender pronouns acknowledges a person’s right to define their own identity. Assuming pronouns based on looks or names can lead to misgendering, which harms, invalidates, and alienates individuals.
2. How do gender pronouns function as semiotic markers in transgender discourse?
Gender pronouns are linguistic signs that both signal and construct identity. Using non-binary pronouns challenges the strict male/female binary and opens space for more fluid and authentic self-expression.
3. What should you do if you misgender someone?
Politely and briefly correct yourself, use the right pronoun, apologize if appropriate, and continue the conversation—without drawing attention or expecting comfort from the person you misgendered.
Conclusion
Understanding and respecting gender pronouns is more than a matter of language—it’s a step toward greater recognition, safety, and affirmation for transgender and non-binary people. By engaging thoughtfully with the semiotics of self, the power of symbols and pronouns, and the ongoing evolution of language, we help foster a world where everyone can be recognized for who they are.
Session 2 : Understanding Gender Expression: A Comprehensive Guide to Contemporary Transgender and Non-Binary Discourses
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