1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,204 [MUSIC PLAYING] 2 00:00:03,704 --> 00:00:05,210 DIANE: Hello. 3 00:00:05,210 --> 00:00:06,380 Hello, sir. 4 00:00:06,380 --> 00:00:07,835 I'm calling for Diane. 5 00:00:07,835 --> 00:00:08,435 Sir? 6 00:00:08,435 --> 00:00:11,826 This is Diane. 7 00:00:11,826 --> 00:00:14,225 When we incorrectly assume one's gender identity, 8 00:00:14,225 --> 00:00:16,004 we've misgendered them. 9 00:00:16,004 --> 00:00:19,780 Accidental misgendering happens all the time. 10 00:00:19,780 --> 00:00:22,920 A simple apology is the best way to move forward, 11 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:25,320 but it can still be uncomfortable and embarrassing 12 00:00:25,320 --> 00:00:26,715 for all involved. 13 00:00:26,715 --> 00:00:28,680 Beyond being awkward, these flubs 14 00:00:28,680 --> 00:00:32,210 can have severe unintended consequences. 15 00:00:32,210 --> 00:00:35,610 Those of us who have had to reckon with our gender identity 16 00:00:35,610 --> 00:00:39,090 may feel vulnerable, exposed, insecure, or out 17 00:00:39,090 --> 00:00:40,715 of place when misgendered. 18 00:00:40,715 --> 00:00:43,290 Many of us have faced systemic violence 19 00:00:43,290 --> 00:00:45,840 which targets nonconforming gender expression. 20 00:00:45,840 --> 00:00:48,120 And being misgendered can cause us to experience 21 00:00:48,120 --> 00:00:51,180 very real psychological trauma. 22 00:00:51,180 --> 00:00:54,615 Lucky for us, we have tools to avoid these mishaps. 23 00:00:54,615 --> 00:00:56,940 Proactively asking people what pronouns 24 00:00:56,940 --> 00:01:00,180 they use even when their gender expression seems obvious 25 00:01:00,180 --> 00:01:03,510 shows that you care about their safety and humanity 26 00:01:03,510 --> 00:01:07,356 without forcing them to disclose the details of their identity. 27 00:01:07,356 --> 00:01:09,165 By sharing your own gender pronouns 28 00:01:09,165 --> 00:01:12,720 in email signatures, online profiles, name tags, 29 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:15,465 and business cards, you're normalizing equitable respect 30 00:01:15,465 --> 00:01:18,020 for all gender identities. 31 00:01:18,020 --> 00:01:20,565 You're also making it easier for the most vulnerable 32 00:01:20,565 --> 00:01:22,905 of us to share our pronouns. 33 00:01:22,905 --> 00:01:25,080 Through open communication, we can 34 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:28,110 create trusting relationships and kinder, more 35 00:01:28,110 --> 00:01:30,150 inclusive environments for all. 36 00:01:30,150 --> 00:01:33,500 [MUSIC PLAYING]