Today, we are talking about pronouns. Jen and Harper have a diverse circle of family and friends from all kinds of backgrounds. We have a core belief that inclusion matters, and we stand allied with marginalized and underrepresented people across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, gender identity, and the many other ways that people choose to identify themselves.
As allies, we are on board with using whatever pronouns a person wants to use, and support all efforts towards inclusion and belonging for people across the gender identity spectrum. But we have to be honest - this is a new way of engaging with people, and it’s been a learning curve.
Harper realized over the past year that across her wide circle of allied and inclusive friends, there are shared challenges in learning and understanding how and when to use appropriate pronouns. It has felt surprisingly tricky, even with the desire to be supportive. But to give an example, when someone identifies as she/they, when do you use which pronoun? Is there a grammatically right or wrong approach? Why does this feel so hard sometimes? And what can we do as allies to better support people in the trans and gender non-conforming community?
So in this episode, Harper invited her friend Bethany to join us. Bethany identifies as lesbian, is married to a trans-man, and together they have a gender fluid kiddo. Bethany is also an advocacy professional, and is deeply engaged both personally and professionally in political and community advocacy work across the queer community.
We hope you choose to listen to this episode with respect, openness, and a willingness to learn. It’s ok to be confused and challenged. For many of us, this is still pretty new. So join us on the journey, and let us know what you learned along the way! Send us an email at salonconfessionspodcast@gmail.com, or DM us on the socials at Salon Confessions Podcast. We can’t wait to hear from you!
For more information about how to support trans and genderqueer people, check out organizations like the Human Rights Coalition at HRC.org or the National Center for Transgender Equality at transequality.org
If you are transgender or gender nonconforming and need support, go to The Trevor Project thetrevorproject.org You can safely find help and support there. Or, reach out to us at salonconfessionspodcast@gmail.com, and we will help you get connected to resources in your area. You are not alone, and you are worth love and respect!!
