LGBTQ advocates support importance of the proper use of pronouns

Many people use pronouns to identify gender, however, for the LGBTQ community it can be difficult if someone associates them with the wrong pronoun, DVM.com in Washington, D.C. reported Oct. 14. LGBT Life Center studies show that identifying someone who is transgender, with the wrong pronoun, can severely impact their mental health. “Our most commonly used pronouns (he/she) specifically refers to a person's gender. For queer, gender non‐conforming, non‐binary, and transgender people, these pronouns may not fit, can create discomfort, and can cause stress and anxiety,” states the LGBT Life Center. A Journal of Adolescent Health study shows that in transgender youth, using correct pronouns and names reduces depression and suicide risks. “We're already going through a lot of confusion and scary things in our head and our minds, and in order for us to feel supported and to be able to move forward and grow we have to have those pronouns supported,” said Jaden Raerhys, board member of the Washington County Gay‐Straight Alliance.