A pronoun is a term used to substitute a person’s name when referred to in the third person. In recent years, many of us find ourselves being invited to “offer our pronouns” in meetings or in writing, in both social and professional situations. Here are a few examples of pronouns people may offer:

• He/him/his
• She/her/hers
• They/them/their
• A combination of the above

What does all of this mean? Why are people invited to offer their pronouns? Why can “they/them/their” be used to refer to a single individual? How can I ensure I’m using pronouns correctly and appropriately?

Join Joni Watke of Academy LGBTQ and Thomas Houck of Thomson Reuters as they answer these and other questions related to the use of personal pronouns.

Featuring: Joni Watke, Academy LGBTQ

Hosted by: Thomas Houck, Thomson Reuters

Joni Watke has been an attorney in private practice and a professional speaker since 1996. She co-founded Academy LGBTQ whose mission is to educate organizations and families to elevate themselves so they can celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals. Joni presents to educate and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues for thousands across the country each year. She’s worked with Fortune 500 companies, the American Bar Association, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and provides continuing education credits for legal, law enforcement, medical and mental health professionals. She’s been featured on CNN and The Advocate.

Thomas Houck is an attorney and subject matter expert in the area of regulatory compliance for insurance and financial services for Thomson Reuters. He helps coordinate the activities of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for the AICP.