The term non-binary describes all gender identities which are not exclusively male or female. These identities fall on a wide spectrum and, in the case of gender fluidity, may not be fixed. For example, a gender-fluid individual might identify as partly feminine and/or masculine at times, and neither at others.
The most recognised non-binary flag
Within English, personal pronouns act as a mechanism with which to show contrast, such as the number of individuals being referred to (us, we) and also their gender (he, she). Those who identify as non-binary may not wish to adhere to traditionally gendered personal pronouns, instead preferring to be referred to in a gender-neutral manner through use of the pronouns ‘they, their, them’.
So that we can communicate with each other as effectively and sensitively as possible, and given that gender identities can’t be assumed given a person’s outward appearance, name, etc., we would like to encourage the inclusion of your preferred pronouns in the bottom of your email signature. Please be aware that this suggestion is entirely voluntary.
An example email signature, with pronouns highlighted in the green box
James Allen, Chair of the Pulse LGBT+ Staff Network , said:
“Since I included my pronouns on my email signature, it has encouraged open dialogues with colleagues across the university, and made a positive change to the working environment. By disclosing pronouns, it helps show how we can respect other people’s personal decisions and not make assumptions about gender identity. I urge you to do the same, and be part of building a collegial and inclusive university, where we can all best support the student experience.”
President of the Student Unions’ LGBT+ Society, Jonathon St Clair-Smith, commented:
“Encouraging University staff to include their preferred personal pronouns within their email signatures is an effective step towards making the University a more inclusive and welcoming place for gender minority students. I hope that it will not only open a serious dialogue about how our university environment can be made a more accessible and inclusive place for gender-minority students, but that it will also provide these students with the confidence to be themselves during their time at Southampton, and show that the staff here take the identities of gender minorities seriously. This is a great first-step towards resolving some of the continuing problems that gender minority students face during their time at university.”
The University is looking into ways we can improve the experience of non-binary students and staff.
The Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers have already taken the step to include their preferred pronouns in email signatures.
If you’d like to learn more about gender identity, please see the list of links below.
Stonewall:
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/supporting-trans-staff-workplace
BBC News:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-32979297
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34901704
The #UoSrespect campaign aims to support and embed our core value of collegiality, and that we all benefit from a positive, supportive environment whether we’re here for work or study.
Look out for the hashtag #UoSrespect on SUSSED News to stay up to date with all the latest on this campaign.
