Gender inclusive pronouns in email signatures
Published: 1 May 2018
Find out more about adding personal pronouns to email signatures
Not everyone identifies on a binary scale (i.e. as either male or female), and gender can never be assumed.
For this reason, it can be helpful to be clear about our personal pronouns e.g.
- she/her/hers
- they/them/theirs
- he/him/his
You may have noticed that it is becoming increasingly commonplace for these to be added to email signatures or social media profiles.
Should you choose to make this small addition to your email signature you are:
- removing the element of doubt about your pronouns, and acknowledging the right of everyone to let others know their pronouns
- indicating your commitment to inclusivity
- encouraging discussion of the issue of gender inclusive pronouns
- helping to create a culture free from assumptions and judgement
The wording of this HAWKEYE article has been amended to clarify that inclusion of this statement in email signatures is entirely optional. All staff members are free to choose whether they wish to do this or not.
Professors Jill Pell, Anna Cooper, Sally Wyke and Kate O'Donnell
Institute of Health and Wellbeing Executive
First published: 1 May 2018
