Understanding non-binary

Hi, I’m Emma, and I use “she” and “they” pronouns.

What non-binary means to me is that it’s a more open, fluid and comfortable way of identifying outside the male and female gender binary.

It’s something that allows me to articulate my every day experiences in a way that feels right for me.

Pronouns are a really personal thing.

So when I use “she” and “they” pronouns, that means that I want to be referred to using “she” and “her”, and “they” and “them”.

Those are options that are really comfortable for me.

Everyone uses pronouns, and you’ll hear a lot “he” and “him”, “she” and “her”, “they” and “them”, although there are lots of different options to use.

Pronouns are super easy to incorporate in a conversation.

The best way to do it is when you meet someone for the first time:

“Hi, I’m Emma, I use “she”/“they” pronouns.” Simple.

What happens if you maybe mess up using someone’s pronouns?

It’s okay, just correct yourself, don’t harp on it.

You know, just focus on the person and learn from your mistake.

How to make the workplace better for gender non-conforming, non-binary and trans people?

A great place to start is inclusive language, and also incorporating pronouns even into your meeting structure when you’re doing a round table.

Other issues also include gender neutral washrooms, there’s employment equity considerations, and just safety in general in the workplace, are all super important things that people don’t usually think about, but still impact us.

A lot of the time, you won’t necessarily know what considerations or opportunities you are going to be missing out on if you don’t include diverse voices from the beginning.