The internet consists of over 4.4 billion users and on average people have nearly seven or more active social media accounts. Because of the large amount of online users, social accounts rely on identifying who we are so we can better connect with each other. It might seem like a straightforward concept, however, standard online profiles are not always inclusive to specific gender identities. How can you show the world who you truly are when there are limitations for the way we express ourselves?
The English language is known to be one of the most difficult to learn and over decades, it has gone through many changes. In the 21st century, there has been new developments in how we speak to each other. Pronouns are one aspect of the English language that has evolved over time and is slowly being integrated into society.
People know and are aware of who they are, and want their pronouns to reflect this. It is an honest mistake to assume someone’s gender based on their appearance or personality, but it is discourteous not to call them by what they prefer. Understanding what a person’s preferred gender pronoun is and how to use it will create a more accepting and inclusive environment for everyone.
Why You Should Add a Preferred Pronoun to Your Profile
If you are a cisgender person (someone whose gender matches the sex they were assigned to at birth), putting your pronoun in your profile may not seem necessary to you. However, by doing this it is actually leading the way to normalizing preferred gender in social settings. It is a small step, but makes a huge impact for others who are NOT cisgender.
Realistically, names cannot fully suffice for the way others refer to you. In some settings it can work, but it is difficult to rely on that. In addition, many transgender and non-conforming individuals are not addressed properly. Adding your preferred pronoun to your Sporcle profile allows people to know ahead of time before they contact you. Without a doubt, this can avoid a lot of confusion and awkwardness for the speaker and the one being spoken to. Finally, it is important to consider your own boundaries. If you are not comfortable stating your preferred gender pronouns, then you don’t have to. For those that do, it can help to create a more welcoming and safe space for others to do the same.
What Are Preferred Gender Pronouns and Why They Matter
For starters, it is important to understand what a pronoun is. Pronouns are parts of speech that replace other nouns, and gender pronouns are regarded as words that address a person. Pronouns, as we know it, include:
- First person (I)
- Second person (you)
- Third person (he, she, they)
This brings up the question of “what are preferred gender pronouns?” These are pronouns that are chosen by a person who wishes to be identified based on their gender or the neutrality of their gender. It is important to remember that gender is fluid and doesn’t have to relate or correspond to the biology of an individual.
Using preferred gender pronouns are important because they create an opportunity for others to know how to properly address you. It also allows others to be aware of what pronouns to use when they are talking about or to that person. For example, if you make the assumption that you are speaking to a woman and address them by “she” or “her” they may feel hurt and uncomfortable if they do not prefer to use those pronouns.
Some people may not agree with personal pronouns all together and want to be addressed only by their name. If you notice that a Sporcle profile has a missing pronoun, that suggests that they should be referred to by name.
Using Personal Pronouns
When a person shares their preferred gender pronouns, they are stating what they want to be referred to in the first, second, and third person. Typically, using “they/them” pronouns are acceptable when you are unsure of how to address someone. They are considered to be gender neutral and are acceptable labels for most people. An individual can identify as a man, woman, or neither but still desire to be called by any set of pronouns. This does not mean those pronouns are suggesting their gender. Here are just a few examples of how to use gender pronouns that a person has chosen to identify with.
- She/Her: “She is a storyteller and wrote that book herself. Those ideas are hers. I like her writing style.
- He/Him: “He is a storyteller and wrote that book himself. Those ideas are his. I like his writing style.
- They/Them: “They are a storyteller and wrote that book themselves. Those ideas are theirs. I like their ideas.”
- Ze/Hir: “Ze is a writer and wrote that book hirself. Those ideas are hirs. I like hir ideas.”
- No pronouns – using a name: “Jenna is a writer and wrote that book. Those are Jenna’s ideas. I like Jenna’s ideas.”
Adding Preferred Gender Pronouns to Your Sporcle Profile
Alright, so you know more about gender pronouns and why they are important, and now you want to add them to your Sporcle profile.
Just follow the steps below:
- Go to your Sporcle profile settings and navigate to the Basic Info section.
- Type in your preferred pronouns (examples: She/Her/Hers; They/Them; Ze/Hir/Hirs; ect.).
- Save Changes.
And it’s that easy! Your preferred gender pronouns will appear right on your profile page, just below your personal bio. We hope this new feature helps you better, and more accurately, express yourself on Sporcle.
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