CU: Assume All Are Trans.

Addressing Pronouns: A Guide from the University of Colorado Boulder

Why Pronouns Matter

It is never safe to assume someone’s gender. Living a life where people will naturally assume the correct pronouns for you is a privilege that not everyone experiences. That’s why it’s important to respect people’s pronouns and use them correctly. Ignoring someone’s pronouns is not only an act of oppression but can also be considered an act of violence.

Using They/Them/Theirs

Sometimes people just don’t want to share their pronouns, and that’s fine. Usually, it’s safe to use they/them/theirs unless that person tells you otherwise. This is a simple way to show respect for someone’s gender identity.

Other Pronouns

Terms like “ze” and “zir” are legitimate ways to refer to people. The University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Inclusion and Social Change encourages students to get comfortable with these “newer” pronouns and gives guidance on how to pronounce them. For example, “ze” is pronounced like Americans pronounce the letter ‘z,’ like ‘zee,’ and “hir” is pronounced like ‘here’ with an ‘s’ on the end.

An Inclusive Environment

The University of Colorado Boulder recognizes that misgendering people, whether intentionally or not, can cause harm and feelings of disrespect and exclusion. The university is committed to supporting and advocating for an inclusive environment for everyone on campus.

• The university offers cross-sex hormone therapy, voice-training, and surgical sex changes.
• There are “all-gender” restrooms and locker rooms, where male and female students shower in the same facilities.
• The university encourages students to use pronouns correctly and get comfortable with newer pronouns like “ze” and “zir.”

These directions reflect academia’s increasing devotion to radical gender ideology and its attempts to rewrite rules of language for the public. The University of Colorado Boulder’s guide largely echoes language guides from pro-transgenderism groups like the Trevor Project and Human Rights Campaign, which are now commonplace in academia, medicine, and even K-12 schools.

Remember, using someone’s correct pronouns is a simple way to show respect for their gender identity. Let’s all work together to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

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