Pronouns in the age of Zoom
As we reflect on Transgender Awareness week, we wanted to provide our Changing Minds whānau with a resource to celebrate diversity and promote inclusive language in our digital times. Transgender Awareness week is recognised between 13 and 19 November.
Virtual meetings and catch ups have become a permanent fixture in many of our lives. Here at Changing Minds, Zoom has become an essential tool to support each other and Tāngata Mātau ā-wheako during lockdowns. Our Whakatau Mai | The Wellbeing sessions are also held over Zoom.
But when we are meeting from behind a screen or in a larger group, introducing ourselves can be difficult sometimes. Sharing our pronouns when meeting online allows us to share a little about ourselves, and to make meetings welcoming and respectful to everyone. It's great to see Zoom has recently updated to allow users to share their pronouns by default.
When we aren't referring to a person by name, we use their pronoun. In the English language these are often, she/her, he/him, they/them. Other languages like Te Reo Māori have a single pronoun 'ia' that isn't associated with gender.
For our Whakatau Mai community, and everyone using zoom to connect with others, here's how you can set your pronouns:
If you have an individual licensed zoom account the pronouns feature is visible by default.
If you are using the Zoom desktop app or mobile app, simple instructions to add your pronouns can be found here. You can also chose whether you always want to share your pronouns or for Zoom to ask you first.
When you are joining a meeting without a zoom account, consider putting your pronouns at the end of your name.
To learn more about using pronouns respectfully:
InsideOut has a great article and video outlining what pronouns are, how to use them respectfully and the positive impact using correct pronouns has for members of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Digital.govt.nz also has a guide to using gender-inclusive language online.
As part of our Whakatau Mai | The Wellbeing Sessions project we offer a Rainbow LGBTQIA+ Community support group for anyone 18 years or above, who identifies as LGBTQIA+ or questioning and who is looking for support with their mental health and wellbeing, and a sense of community. Find out more by viewing our session calendar.