Gender Identity & Pronouns – Resources & NPAG Best Practices

At NPAG, we continue to lead with our values: equity, integrity, transparency, and candor. Because we
believe so strongly in these values, NPAG is championing more ways to provide a warm, welcoming, and
inclusive environment for all our partners in and throughout this work. To accomplish this, we welcome
you to join our efforts, no matter your organization’s size or scope, to ensure that every individual—
regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or gender
expression—is positioned for belonging, empowerment, and success at work.

Furthermore, NPAG is committed to empowering the LGBTQ+ community each and every day in our work
throughout the nonprofit sector. This means building Queer allyship into who we are and what we do. Part
of what creates this climate is understanding appropriate and affirming ways to speak to and about others.

One of the most common ways in which people are unintentionally excluded is by being misgendered. We
often refer to people not by their name, but by pronouns such as "he” or “she.” Because these pronouns
have gender implied, they can often result in inaccurate portrayals of who people are. This document
serves to provide resources for building our knowledge of transgender and gender non-conforming
identities, as well as best practices for pronouns in the workplace so that we may stand true to our
commitments and better serve our LGBTQ+ colleagues, candidates, clients, and loved ones.

NPAG Best Practices for Pronouns

1) Display your pronouns when possible. This demonstrates allyship, fosters a safe space, and
normalizes sharing pronouns so that others will feel more comfortable doing so. We recommend
including your pronouns on:

a. Your email signature

b. The NPAG website
c. Your Zoom display name
d. Your LinkedIn profile

2) Always include your pronouns when introducing yourself. This normalizes sharing pronouns and
can reduce the chance of misgendering someone or having to ask about their pronouns later.

“Hi, everyone! I’m Nick, and I use they/them pronouns.”

“Hi, everyone! My name is Nick—they/them.”

3) Avoid gendered language when possible.

a. It’s best to avoid prefixes such as “Mr.”, “Ms.”, or “Mrs.”, unless you are certain the
person identifies with that prefix. Additionally, if you would like to formally address a
gender non-conforming person, a commonly used prefix is “Mx.” (pronounced ‘mix’).
 b. It’s also best to avoid gendered introductions such as “sir”, “ma’am”, or “ladies and
gentlemen.” Instead, when addressing groups, try using words such as “everyone, all,
folks, colleagues, team” etc.

c. When writing official documents such as proposals, contracts, templates, or any other
materials, try to opt out of any gendered language if possible. When using pronouns is
necessary, use a neutral pronoun, such as “their,” rather than “his or her.”

4) Correct yourself and others when someone is misgendered.

a. We all make mistakes. When you misgender someone, it’s important to:
i. Correct yourself quickly and in the moment.

“I was speaking with Nick, and we reviewed his—excuse me—their document

together.”

ii. Do not make a spectacle or draw out an apology. Being misgendered is very
difficult for LGTBQ+ people, so drawing more attention to them only causes added
stress. Over-the-top apologies often pressure people to say it’s okay when it’s
really not.

b. Check out the infographic below for more tips and tricks on getting pronouns right.
Resources for Gender Identity

1) NPR: A Guide To Gender Identity Terms

2) Planned Parenthood: Guides to Gender Identity   

3) Gender Spectrum: Understanding Gender   

4) Ted Talk – Heidi Breaux: Transgender & Non-Binary Gender Diversity - Going Beyond Names &
Pronouns  

5) TSER: The Gender Unicorn  

Resources for Pronouns

1) GLSEN: Pronoun Guide  

2) UCSC: A Guide to Pronouns  

3) Indeed: A Guide to Pronouns in the Workplace   

4) Ted Talk – Mala Matacin: Why Pronouns Matter