Why we use Pronouns
Fairground is dedicated to cultivating a culture of diversity in which every individual is not just respected, but valued. In line with our commitment to diversity and equity, we are proud to be including pronouns in our email signatures. Recognising that an individual’s pronouns are fundamental to their self identification, this choice underscores our unwavering support for honouring and affirming the identities of all members within our community.
Pronouns are words used to refer to other people, as a substitute for their ingoa (name). Pronouns signify more than just a preference; they represent an essential aspect of self-identification and autonomy, underscoring our commitment to honouring and affirming the identities of all individuals within our community.
Commonly used pronouns are:
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she/her/hers
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he/him/his
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they/them/theirs
So, what do these pronouns signify in a signature? “He/him/his” means the person identifies as “he” or “him” when pronouns are used. When discussing something the sender possesses, the appropriate pronoun would be “his.”
A lot of languages don’t use pronouns that imply someone’s gender. In te reo Māori, the same pronouns are used to talk about anyone (e.g. ia, tōna, tāna), and the same is true for Pacific languages.
Why using pronouns is important/ He painga tō te whakamahi tūkapi.
Fostering Respect (Whakaute) and Inclusion (Whakauru): By including pronouns in our email signatures, we demonstrate our respect for people’s identities and create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and seen for who they are. It’s a small yet powerful way to create a more inclusive environment.
Promoting Pronoun Inclusivity: Many individuals may not fully understand the significance of using correct pronouns. By incorporating pronouns into our communication, we help raise awareness about gender diversity and encourage others to be mindful of their language choices.
Allyship: Including pronouns in our email signatures, Linkedin profile, and starting meetings with attendees sharing their name and pronouns, helps normalise the practice for others. By adopting these practices, we demonstrate our commitment to creating safe spaces for all members of the community, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our dedication to pronoun inclusivity demonstrates our allyship and contributes to fostering workplaces where individuals of all identities and expressions feel seen, respected, and valued. This proactive approach is integral to creating a culture of acceptance and belonging, where differences are celebrated, and every person’s identity is honoured.
What to do if you get it wrong/ He mahi mēnā ka taka ki te hē
It’s important to recognise that everyone makes mistakes, and using the wrong pronouns can happen unintentionally. If you make a mistake with someone’s pronouns, simply correct yourself in the next sentence or the next time you refer to the person using a pronoun.