International Pronouns Day
International Pronouns Day is about how we use words like “she,” “he,” or “they” when talking about each other. It brings attention to the simple idea that using the right pronouns helps people feel respected.
Position your brand as an inclusive employer and ally by showcasing pronoun-friendly workplace policies, employee resource groups, and commitment to gender-inclusive language in October.
- Behind-the-scenes: How we updated our HR forms and systems to include pronoun fields
- Employee spotlight: Stories from team members about why pronouns matter to them
- Ally guide: Simple steps your organization can take to create safer, more inclusive spaces
- Webinar or panel: LGBTQ+ leaders discuss the real impact of pronoun respect in the workplace
International Pronouns Day began in 2018. Shige Sakurai, an advocate for gender inclusion, first suggested it.
They also created Pronouns.org, a website that offers tools and guidance for using gender‑inclusive language.
Soon after, other leaders in LGBTQ+ education, including Genny Beemyn, joined in. Together, they helped organize a team to plan the first event.
The first International Pronouns Day took place on October 17, 2018. People in over 20 countries joined. Students, teachers, and activists held talks, handed out flyers, and posted online about why pronouns matter.
The day caught the attention quickly. By its second year, groups across six continents had joined the effort.
Each year, the event happens on the third Wednesday of October. Organizers encourage anyone to take part. Some wear pins with their pronouns.
Others host conversations or share helpful materials at work or school. The goal is simple—help people feel seen and respected.
Using the right pronouns can lower anxiety and build safer spaces. Research shows that honoring someone’s name and pronouns can protect their mental health.
Many LGBTQ+ people face harm when others ignore their identities. International Pronouns Day offers a chance to change that, one word at a time.
Start with Yourself
Understanding begins at a personal level. Learn what different pronouns mean and why they matter to the people who use them. Take a moment to ask yourself: Have I assumed someone’s identity lately? Shifting habits takes practice, not perfection. Begin with curiosity, not fear.
Create Safe Spaces
Make your environment easier to navigate for everyone. Add pronouns to name tags, display them during meetings, or include them in introductions. This small shift can help someone feel less alone. Normalizing pronoun sharing removes pressure from those who often carry that weight alone.
Listen and Learn
Invite voices from the LGBTQ+ community to speak or share stories—on a panel, in a video, or even a lunchroom chat. Center the stories of people whose pronouns are often misunderstood. Don’t talk over them. Let their words lead. Listening opens doors to deeper respect.
Use Your Platform
Whether you post online, teach, lead a team, or speak in meetings, your words matter. Talk about the importance of using correct pronouns. Share resources. Make room for questions. Visibility from allies gives others the courage to speak up, too.
Support Ongoing Change
Don’t stop at one day. Review forms, documents, or systems where people can share who they are. Push for updates that respect everyone’s identity. When policies reflect real people, progress becomes real too. Keep the door open, every day, not just once a year.