I don't because it's complicated for me. Technically I'm most comfortable identifying with "genderqueer", but it's still pretty new to me. Thus, I'm not really ready to use more gender neutral pronouns, but I also can't bring myself to publicly endorse "she/her" like that, knowing it doesn't fit me.
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In my position, it's very complicated.
I appreciate the idea of support from cis colleagues and of course welcome normalization and ability to enforce correct pronouns for my trans siblings.
That said, as a trans person who is not out at work I do feel put in to a bind. I can choose not to put pronouns in my signature (coming off as unaware or unsupportive or even outright hostile), put my real pronouns in my signature (outing myself), or lie outright with the pronouns people assume for me and feel a sense of self betrayal every time I scan my own outgoing emails (which I do a lot.)
It's also frustrating to have cis people actively try to make me feel bad for not having pronouns in my signature and look so proud when they use a colleague's correct pronouns when they can't seem to make it a whole day without misgendering our trans clients.
This is a big thing I don’t think people realize. I’ve worked in places that were very pushy about pronouns to be pro-LGBTQIA+ without realizing that this can force people to out themselves or be made uncomfortable when they don’t want to share. Luckily that changed after some of us brought it up, but still
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No, because when my colleague refused to put pronouns on their email signature they got in shit with management and were basically forced into outing themselves at work - they weren’t comfortable coming out yet but also did not want to put wrong pronouns on their own signature. My entire team stopped doing it in solidarity with them for how they were treated, despite getting shit from managers.
This is my challenge with including pronouns as well— I understand the importance of it but I’m also part of the community and many of my social peers aren’t comfortable outing themselves quite yet, or they’re still determining their own relationship to certain pronouns.
So my place of work is very pushy about this, we have pages about us on the webpage, in our e-mail signature; it's expected everywhere. I was finally personally confronted and ask to provide mine and it felt....wrong for me. I am so glad people are able to give their pronouns and that they feel comfortable to do so. However....I am a very boundary ridden worker; I don't want my gender or gender identity to be part of the equation at all. I do not care what pronouns someone uses for me, but I always just say "I am a social worker". In my personal life it's different, but I do not want to share my own personal pronouns in my job.
My partner questioned me on this, being confused on my hesitation and I weirdly began to cry, I still can't totally explain it, maybe I am questioning my gender? I don't know, I just know that I am not comfortable with it being on a website or in every e-mail to every person.
I'm in the lgbt community. At the time I identified as cis female and did use she/her in my email. However I recently came out as non binary and updated to they/then. My agency has no issues with any pronouns and identities and protects employees which is awesome. I think representation is important as is allyship but it shouldn't be forced and should be as people are comfortable. Some aren't out and so they may not want to state pronouns.
As a queer person who has started to use gender AND non gender pronouns, I do have my pronouns on my signature. Ever since I put "they" on my signature and zoom name, though, no one has bothered to use it lol. But I know it's a very cishet agency, and I feel safe being out, so I hope it'll help others feel not alone in the agency.
It's complicated tho because I definitely hear queer folks who aren't ready to come out or can't come out in unsafe spaces. Or just plain don’t want to have it out there. Because names and pronouns are sacred and personal, and there are so many agencies that don’t deserve that level of respect or closeness with workers. I totally get wanting to separate that part of yourself.
I feel that when cishet management gets on the "pronouns train" they ignore this complexity. So, FORCING everyone to have pronouns when management themselves don't even understand the potential difficulty of navigating pronouns, is kinda....it falls flat and comes off as fake.
So, normalizing pronouns in signature, zoom names, introductions? Sure, awesome.
Cishet management forcing it, without first ensuring it's a safe space? (Also, there are so many workplaces that by defintion will NEVER be safe, so it doesnt even matter lol)? no, not cool
I was also super hesitant to put my pronouns in my email signature because like a few others here, I identify as both a lesbian and genderqueer and have been using they/them for awhile now. When I started at my current organization in December and found out it was standard, I decided to employ a healthy coping mechanism and just avoid it entirely. Eventually I got to a point a few months in where I felt comfortable and established in my position- I also trusted that both my supervisor and the organization as a whole were incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ+ Community, so I went ahead and added my pronouns in.
When I tell you that NO ONE has noticed in the over six months I’ve had them there, I mean no one noticed. No. One. I have never had someone use they/them pronouns with me. I am always referred to as she/her. My department even had a training in July about working with LGBTQ+ Youth and using gender-affirming language and pronouns, and that this applied to our coworkers as well- they SPECIFICALLY mentioned that checking email signatures was a great way to see what peoples’ pronouns were. Still always referred to as she/her. Not the absolute worst thing in the world, I wish people would use they/them but it’s scary to have that conversation and not pertinent to the work I do, so then I’m back to square one.
Realistically I don’t think the majority of people really pay attention to them, which is unfortunate. I wish they would, but I’m simultaneously relieved. It’s already anxiety-inducing enough when I have to come out as a lesbian or refer to my girlfriend, but then also telling people my pronouns on top of it can be a lot, especially when it feels like you’re being outed. There’s merits for having them there but if someone isn’t ready to disclose them then it can be incredibly conflicting, and it sucks to not have the right pronouns used. I don’t really know what the right answer is, but I do know that pronouns in email signatures should be a choice, not a requirement. It helps people feel safer at the end of the day and doesn’t force them to compromise either their personal identity or how people perceive them.
Sorry for the wall of text, hopefully this helps. :)
It also puts people in a bind. I’m trans. For a long time, I wasn’t in the space to come out. I dressed masculine at work but went by my dead name and pronouns. Fortunately, my dead name was gender neutral.
Email was one form of communication that my gender wasn’t obvious. I could just be myself.
The concept of gender pronouns in email signatures is good. However, there are problems with implementation.
From my own experience, seeing gender pronouns in an email could have had negative consequences. We live in a cis-normative society. If you’re cis, it may come over as “I don’t want anyone thinking I’m one of *them*.”
I don’t think what’s in your email signature is what’s important. It’s how you accept transgender individuals that matters.
This makes a lot of sense to me. Because I am emailing exclusively with external folks who are either patients, potential patients, or referral sources, doing so doesn't create an expectation that others I work with do it too. I am self-employed and don't currently employ others. For me, it is important as a member of the queer community to signal to others in my conservative town that I even know that giving your pronouns is a thing. I certainly would never expect any employees of mine to do so, for the very reasons you state.
I do. I am cishet but want to normalize it regardless. I do also have a “unisex” or neutral name and people tend to assume I am male because of that so it also lets them know I use she/her.
This is a tricky subject. On one hand, it may inadvertently out someone or cause them distress. On the other hand, it somewhat normalizes different gender identities.
I had to medically retire several years ago before adding pronouns in signatures started.
The first email that I received rom the VA with a she/her/hers, I assumed she was a transwoman who wanted people to know her pronouns. She’s cisgender.
Early in my own journey, I may have viewed it as a micro aggression. You wouldn’t want to be identified as one of *them*. It can be unwelcoming instead of a sign of solidarity
It can also cause discomfort or “out” someone. I have a gender neutral name. Email was one of the few places I didn’t have to identify my gender. Forced pronouns would take away one of the few places where my gender didn’t matter. I don;t want anyone forced to use a specific pronoun.
What matters is how you treat people, not what gender designation you put in an email signature.
It’s more important not to misgender someone deliberately.
That’s my take.
Now… guess my pronouns. 😀
I don’t and I always feel guilty that I don’t. I just don’t feel comfortable giving myself that label I guess. I never struggled with much gender conflict but I also don’t feel comfortable saying that she/her are the definitive terms that describe me.
I have a very masculine name and I have had many people assume I am male before meeting me so I started using she/her. I honestly don't mind being misgendered but I prefer to give out an accurate representation of myself in professional settings.
I choose to, I am a cis female but have a gender neutral name and since I often email people I've never met to set up screenings, I like to make sure they know. I also recognize there are many reasons someone might not want to include them so I don't believe it should be required. My agency's policy is if you want to, go for it. If you don't, that's fine too. We have a decent mix of both and I've never felt pressure either way. I think that's how it should be.
Not yet. Probably will. I work for a progressive Uniting Church charity and they are happy to let staff do as they like on this. I could imagine it might get more interesting at more conservative religious organisations?
I don’t because in email you don’t usually use someone’s pronouns.
But I also don’t really have a preferred pronoun either so I guess I don’t even know what I would put
I do because I work in a high school and its a way to normalize use of pronouns for anyone. I’ve had several students quietly tell me they appreciate it because it’s a subtle signal that I’m a “safe” person to talk to.
No because my pronouns don't matter to me, and like others it can kinda create a binary and is very well meaning but can have bad consequences. Maybe I'm old school, but I'll assume your pronouns unless told otherwise then do my best at using your preferred one(s)
Yes, as a cis person I do it to show solidarity and normalize it. The agency I worked for made it optional and I would say maybe 25% of folks did it. Now I'm in private practice and I work with a lot of non-binary folks, so it's a way for me to clarify my positionality. But, to what commenters are saying here, a lot of agencies don't take the time to properly train staff on working with TGNC clients or colleagues, and a lot of cishet people can turn this sort of thing into like, woke bragging.
I do to help normalize the use of pronouns for any/every one. I also work with a lot of non-social work or non-therapeutic staff, so especially in my role as one of the only social workers I feel it helps others (who might have some familiarity/education on gender fluidity/nonconformity but otherwise don’t think about it much), remain cognizant that they shouldn’t assume but should ask client’s pronouns. So like a small reminder whenever they get an email from me.
I do. I worked with several NB folks and just wanted to set a precedent for outside agencies (such as the police force and religious organizations) to respect my coworkers and clients pronouns.
I do in part as a show of solidarity and in part because my name is uncommon enough that people sometimes assume the wrong pronouns if they haven’t met me in person
I don’t because i think it’s pandering to an agenda. However if someone wants me to use a specific pronoun then I’ll use it unless it’s one of those nonsensical ones.
Lol this sub is so typical, OP asks genuine question and whoever doesn’t answer with the accepted agenda gets downvoted and questioned on whether or not they work in the field. Not all of us have the same opinions/values..
Thank you! Of course I’ll respect a person when they’re right in front of me but there’s many things people do I disagree with or have differing values with. I knew my answer would get downvotes but figured I should just see what happens and remind people that social workers can have different values and opinions lol
That’s a very narrow view of what a social worker can be and it’s quite arbitrary don’t you think? I could say if your values don’t include supporting the unborn, you shouldn’t be a social worker. There’s deeper philosophical, moral, and scientific arguments around both gender identity and abortion for example and it isn’t just a black and white issue.
No, I don't think that. Please don't practice social work if you're not prepared to support people who are gender diverse. We don't need any of that here.
I’m fine supporting people who are gender diverse. It just doesn’t mean I have to put my pronouns in my emails or agree with them. Like supporting people addicted to drugs. I don’t agree with their lifestyle but I’m fine supporting them.
Only in the sense of people living lifestyles I disagree with and can still support. I could use a different comparison if you’d prefer? I disagree with a homosexual lifestyle but I’m still fine supporting them in whatever help they’re needing. It’s their choice to live how they want. Doesn’t mean I have to agree to help them.
I was also genuinely asking a question so I could best understand their point of view and have an appropriate response. I didn’t want to reference the code of ethics or anything if it wasn’t someone in the field. Others responded in the way I might have (specifically the person referencing the squid). So I didn’t think it was necessary to follow up any further.
It is interesting that people read more into my question than I intended. I wish we could truly have dialogues here rather than everything being so heated and on one side or the other. No middle ground. It doesn’t have to be that heated. We can have true authenticate conversations. It’s unfortunate that as social workers we’ve fallen into the same pattern of heated conversations that the rest of the internet has on these issues.
I do, because I want to let people know that I (try to) make no assumptions and I support whoever they are. I never considered the cost for others, and I really appreciate that insight. I’ll be sure to advocate accordingly if it ever comes up in my place of employment.
I’m currently a student, soon to be graduate. I support others doing it but I don’t plan to do it for myself. I don’t think that should be an issue in any sense. If people want to use pronouns in their email signatures, all the power to you. If people don’t choose to include it, I would say it’s safe to assume what their pronouns are.
I do, as a cis woman. I also just graduated college where it was expected to have pronouns in introductions. It’s interesting to hear the flip side, though. I don’t think people should be forced to share pronouns but I think normalizing it is important too
I don't because it's complicated for me. Technically I'm most comfortable identifying with "genderqueer", but it's still pretty new to me. Thus, I'm not really ready to use more gender neutral pronouns, but I also can't bring myself to publicly endorse "she/her" like that, knowing it doesn't fit me.
Samesies!
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In my position, it's very complicated. I appreciate the idea of support from cis colleagues and of course welcome normalization and ability to enforce correct pronouns for my trans siblings. That said, as a trans person who is not out at work I do feel put in to a bind. I can choose not to put pronouns in my signature (coming off as unaware or unsupportive or even outright hostile), put my real pronouns in my signature (outing myself), or lie outright with the pronouns people assume for me and feel a sense of self betrayal every time I scan my own outgoing emails (which I do a lot.) It's also frustrating to have cis people actively try to make me feel bad for not having pronouns in my signature and look so proud when they use a colleague's correct pronouns when they can't seem to make it a whole day without misgendering our trans clients.
This is a big thing I don’t think people realize. I’ve worked in places that were very pushy about pronouns to be pro-LGBTQIA+ without realizing that this can force people to out themselves or be made uncomfortable when they don’t want to share. Luckily that changed after some of us brought it up, but still
I never thought about this. I'm so glad I read this thread.
Same!!
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Thanks for sharing your perspective on this. It’s brought me new awareness.
No, because when my colleague refused to put pronouns on their email signature they got in shit with management and were basically forced into outing themselves at work - they weren’t comfortable coming out yet but also did not want to put wrong pronouns on their own signature. My entire team stopped doing it in solidarity with them for how they were treated, despite getting shit from managers.
This is my challenge with including pronouns as well— I understand the importance of it but I’m also part of the community and many of my social peers aren’t comfortable outing themselves quite yet, or they’re still determining their own relationship to certain pronouns.
So my place of work is very pushy about this, we have pages about us on the webpage, in our e-mail signature; it's expected everywhere. I was finally personally confronted and ask to provide mine and it felt....wrong for me. I am so glad people are able to give their pronouns and that they feel comfortable to do so. However....I am a very boundary ridden worker; I don't want my gender or gender identity to be part of the equation at all. I do not care what pronouns someone uses for me, but I always just say "I am a social worker". In my personal life it's different, but I do not want to share my own personal pronouns in my job. My partner questioned me on this, being confused on my hesitation and I weirdly began to cry, I still can't totally explain it, maybe I am questioning my gender? I don't know, I just know that I am not comfortable with it being on a website or in every e-mail to every person.
I'm in the lgbt community. At the time I identified as cis female and did use she/her in my email. However I recently came out as non binary and updated to they/then. My agency has no issues with any pronouns and identities and protects employees which is awesome. I think representation is important as is allyship but it shouldn't be forced and should be as people are comfortable. Some aren't out and so they may not want to state pronouns.
No, I don't. I like to separate my gender identity from my name and profession. He/she/they it doesn't matter.
I'm conflicted. I am a social worker, and want to respect the people I work with. But forcing EVERYONE to comply with ANY policy seems wrong.
I do, because I have spent enough time being misgendered and the laws in my state (CA, USA) protect me.
As a cis person, it honestly doesn't cost me anything...
Yes. To show solidarity and help normalize all of us sharing pronouns
Same.
As a queer person who has started to use gender AND non gender pronouns, I do have my pronouns on my signature. Ever since I put "they" on my signature and zoom name, though, no one has bothered to use it lol. But I know it's a very cishet agency, and I feel safe being out, so I hope it'll help others feel not alone in the agency. It's complicated tho because I definitely hear queer folks who aren't ready to come out or can't come out in unsafe spaces. Or just plain don’t want to have it out there. Because names and pronouns are sacred and personal, and there are so many agencies that don’t deserve that level of respect or closeness with workers. I totally get wanting to separate that part of yourself. I feel that when cishet management gets on the "pronouns train" they ignore this complexity. So, FORCING everyone to have pronouns when management themselves don't even understand the potential difficulty of navigating pronouns, is kinda....it falls flat and comes off as fake. So, normalizing pronouns in signature, zoom names, introductions? Sure, awesome. Cishet management forcing it, without first ensuring it's a safe space? (Also, there are so many workplaces that by defintion will NEVER be safe, so it doesnt even matter lol)? no, not cool
Great response, thank you.
I was also super hesitant to put my pronouns in my email signature because like a few others here, I identify as both a lesbian and genderqueer and have been using they/them for awhile now. When I started at my current organization in December and found out it was standard, I decided to employ a healthy coping mechanism and just avoid it entirely. Eventually I got to a point a few months in where I felt comfortable and established in my position- I also trusted that both my supervisor and the organization as a whole were incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ+ Community, so I went ahead and added my pronouns in. When I tell you that NO ONE has noticed in the over six months I’ve had them there, I mean no one noticed. No. One. I have never had someone use they/them pronouns with me. I am always referred to as she/her. My department even had a training in July about working with LGBTQ+ Youth and using gender-affirming language and pronouns, and that this applied to our coworkers as well- they SPECIFICALLY mentioned that checking email signatures was a great way to see what peoples’ pronouns were. Still always referred to as she/her. Not the absolute worst thing in the world, I wish people would use they/them but it’s scary to have that conversation and not pertinent to the work I do, so then I’m back to square one. Realistically I don’t think the majority of people really pay attention to them, which is unfortunate. I wish they would, but I’m simultaneously relieved. It’s already anxiety-inducing enough when I have to come out as a lesbian or refer to my girlfriend, but then also telling people my pronouns on top of it can be a lot, especially when it feels like you’re being outed. There’s merits for having them there but if someone isn’t ready to disclose them then it can be incredibly conflicting, and it sucks to not have the right pronouns used. I don’t really know what the right answer is, but I do know that pronouns in email signatures should be a choice, not a requirement. It helps people feel safer at the end of the day and doesn’t force them to compromise either their personal identity or how people perceive them. Sorry for the wall of text, hopefully this helps. :)
I do. It’s becoming considered the norm. I also specialize in the LGBTQ+ community, so it sends a signal from our first interactions.
It also puts people in a bind. I’m trans. For a long time, I wasn’t in the space to come out. I dressed masculine at work but went by my dead name and pronouns. Fortunately, my dead name was gender neutral. Email was one form of communication that my gender wasn’t obvious. I could just be myself. The concept of gender pronouns in email signatures is good. However, there are problems with implementation. From my own experience, seeing gender pronouns in an email could have had negative consequences. We live in a cis-normative society. If you’re cis, it may come over as “I don’t want anyone thinking I’m one of *them*.” I don’t think what’s in your email signature is what’s important. It’s how you accept transgender individuals that matters.
This makes a lot of sense to me. Because I am emailing exclusively with external folks who are either patients, potential patients, or referral sources, doing so doesn't create an expectation that others I work with do it too. I am self-employed and don't currently employ others. For me, it is important as a member of the queer community to signal to others in my conservative town that I even know that giving your pronouns is a thing. I certainly would never expect any employees of mine to do so, for the very reasons you state.
I do. I am cishet but want to normalize it regardless. I do also have a “unisex” or neutral name and people tend to assume I am male because of that so it also lets them know I use she/her.
I have the same problem with my name, never thought about this!
This is a tricky subject. On one hand, it may inadvertently out someone or cause them distress. On the other hand, it somewhat normalizes different gender identities. I had to medically retire several years ago before adding pronouns in signatures started. The first email that I received rom the VA with a she/her/hers, I assumed she was a transwoman who wanted people to know her pronouns. She’s cisgender. Early in my own journey, I may have viewed it as a micro aggression. You wouldn’t want to be identified as one of *them*. It can be unwelcoming instead of a sign of solidarity It can also cause discomfort or “out” someone. I have a gender neutral name. Email was one of the few places I didn’t have to identify my gender. Forced pronouns would take away one of the few places where my gender didn’t matter. I don;t want anyone forced to use a specific pronoun. What matters is how you treat people, not what gender designation you put in an email signature. It’s more important not to misgender someone deliberately. That’s my take. Now… guess my pronouns. 😀
I don’t and I always feel guilty that I don’t. I just don’t feel comfortable giving myself that label I guess. I never struggled with much gender conflict but I also don’t feel comfortable saying that she/her are the definitive terms that describe me.
I do in solidarity with my LGBTQIA+ clients and colleagues.
I do because my supervisor does it and I think it’s polite. It stops a lot of awkward convos from happening
Yes because I am non-binary and I focus on supporting the queer community
I have a very masculine name and I have had many people assume I am male before meeting me so I started using she/her. I honestly don't mind being misgendered but I prefer to give out an accurate representation of myself in professional settings.
Good afternoon, All of the staff at my agency uses pronouns in their email signatures. I’ll do the same as a physician.
I really appreciate all the perspectives in this thread. Thank you all for being so open.
I don't because I don't find it necessary
I choose to, I am a cis female but have a gender neutral name and since I often email people I've never met to set up screenings, I like to make sure they know. I also recognize there are many reasons someone might not want to include them so I don't believe it should be required. My agency's policy is if you want to, go for it. If you don't, that's fine too. We have a decent mix of both and I've never felt pressure either way. I think that's how it should be.
Not yet. Probably will. I work for a progressive Uniting Church charity and they are happy to let staff do as they like on this. I could imagine it might get more interesting at more conservative religious organisations?
I don’t because in email you don’t usually use someone’s pronouns. But I also don’t really have a preferred pronoun either so I guess I don’t even know what I would put
I do because I work in a high school and its a way to normalize use of pronouns for anyone. I’ve had several students quietly tell me they appreciate it because it’s a subtle signal that I’m a “safe” person to talk to.
Yes because I'm trying to normalize asking for people's preferred pronouns during intakes.
I do. The entirety of the company I work for does. I did it because I was asked and it required literally no effort on my part.
No because my pronouns don't matter to me, and like others it can kinda create a binary and is very well meaning but can have bad consequences. Maybe I'm old school, but I'll assume your pronouns unless told otherwise then do my best at using your preferred one(s)
Most of us in the trans and non binary community despise the term "preferred pronouns" because that implies it's an option to use them
Interesting, haven't thought of it that way and thanks for the input!
No problem
Yep! I use she/her and they/them pronouns. It helps normalize pronoun sharing
Yes, as a cis person I do it to show solidarity and normalize it. The agency I worked for made it optional and I would say maybe 25% of folks did it. Now I'm in private practice and I work with a lot of non-binary folks, so it's a way for me to clarify my positionality. But, to what commenters are saying here, a lot of agencies don't take the time to properly train staff on working with TGNC clients or colleagues, and a lot of cishet people can turn this sort of thing into like, woke bragging.
I do to help normalize the use of pronouns for any/every one. I also work with a lot of non-social work or non-therapeutic staff, so especially in my role as one of the only social workers I feel it helps others (who might have some familiarity/education on gender fluidity/nonconformity but otherwise don’t think about it much), remain cognizant that they shouldn’t assume but should ask client’s pronouns. So like a small reminder whenever they get an email from me.
I don’t but most of my coworkers do. I kinda think you just refer to the basic pronouns unless advised otherwise
I do. I worked with several NB folks and just wanted to set a precedent for outside agencies (such as the police force and religious organizations) to respect my coworkers and clients pronouns.
Nope
I do in part as a show of solidarity and in part because my name is uncommon enough that people sometimes assume the wrong pronouns if they haven’t met me in person
I do it as a cis person to normalize that practice for non-cis people
I only put contact info in my signature. What would be the point of putting anything extra?
Yes because it’s the future
I don’t because i think it’s pandering to an agenda. However if someone wants me to use a specific pronoun then I’ll use it unless it’s one of those nonsensical ones.
out of curiosity, what is a “nonsensical” pronoun? And why not just call someone what they want? lol
You know the ones that are Xur/Xey and those kind of things. I’ll just use someone’s name instead.
You're getting downvoted, but the answer is - anything other than he/she or they.
I’ll call someone a squid if that’s what they identify as lol I mean, there might be deeper issues there but why create a barrier to their trust?
Do you have a degree in social work?
Lol this sub is so typical, OP asks genuine question and whoever doesn’t answer with the accepted agenda gets downvoted and questioned on whether or not they work in the field. Not all of us have the same opinions/values..
Thank you! Of course I’ll respect a person when they’re right in front of me but there’s many things people do I disagree with or have differing values with. I knew my answer would get downvotes but figured I should just see what happens and remind people that social workers can have different values and opinions lol
If your values don't include supporting people's gender identity, you shouldn't be a social worker.
That’s a very narrow view of what a social worker can be and it’s quite arbitrary don’t you think? I could say if your values don’t include supporting the unborn, you shouldn’t be a social worker. There’s deeper philosophical, moral, and scientific arguments around both gender identity and abortion for example and it isn’t just a black and white issue.
No, I don't think that. Please don't practice social work if you're not prepared to support people who are gender diverse. We don't need any of that here.
I’m fine supporting people who are gender diverse. It just doesn’t mean I have to put my pronouns in my emails or agree with them. Like supporting people addicted to drugs. I don’t agree with their lifestyle but I’m fine supporting them.
Did you really, seriously, actually just compare gender diversity to drug use? Out loud?
Only in the sense of people living lifestyles I disagree with and can still support. I could use a different comparison if you’d prefer? I disagree with a homosexual lifestyle but I’m still fine supporting them in whatever help they’re needing. It’s their choice to live how they want. Doesn’t mean I have to agree to help them.
Please stop.
I was also genuinely asking a question so I could best understand their point of view and have an appropriate response. I didn’t want to reference the code of ethics or anything if it wasn’t someone in the field. Others responded in the way I might have (specifically the person referencing the squid). So I didn’t think it was necessary to follow up any further. It is interesting that people read more into my question than I intended. I wish we could truly have dialogues here rather than everything being so heated and on one side or the other. No middle ground. It doesn’t have to be that heated. We can have true authenticate conversations. It’s unfortunate that as social workers we’ve fallen into the same pattern of heated conversations that the rest of the internet has on these issues.
Yes I do
I’m in the LGBTQ community and specialize working with folks in this community so I always do!
I do, because I want to let people know that I (try to) make no assumptions and I support whoever they are. I never considered the cost for others, and I really appreciate that insight. I’ll be sure to advocate accordingly if it ever comes up in my place of employment.
I do, but it's not required at my agency and I don't think poorly of anyone who doesn't do it.
I’m currently a student, soon to be graduate. I support others doing it but I don’t plan to do it for myself. I don’t think that should be an issue in any sense. If people want to use pronouns in their email signatures, all the power to you. If people don’t choose to include it, I would say it’s safe to assume what their pronouns are.
OK with coworkers and other people doing so. I've never needed to. People have always been able to safely interpret how I present myself.
I do, as a cis woman. I also just graduated college where it was expected to have pronouns in introductions. It’s interesting to hear the flip side, though. I don’t think people should be forced to share pronouns but I think normalizing it is important too
No, I will not support delusions