Pronouns are integral to how we address and recognize each other in both personal and professional settings. As workplaces strive to become more inclusive, many individuals now share their pronouns in email signatures, social media profiles, and during introductions. This practice not only helps to foster respect but also ensures that people’s identities are acknowledged correctly.

While the general understanding of pronouns—such as he/him, she/her, or they/them—has become more common, terms like genderfluidity may still be less familiar. In this post, we’ll explore what it means to be genderfluid, how pronouns can reflect this identity, and how best to approach pronoun usage in professional settings.

A Quick Recap on Pronouns

Pronouns are words used in place of names, and using the correct pronouns for someone is a simple yet vital way of showing respect. It’s important to recognize that pronouns do not always align with external appearances, which is why many individuals provide them to avoid assumptions. Adding pronouns to professional communication, such as email signatures, signals a commitment to inclusivity and respect for others’ identities.

Some people might use multiple sets of pronouns, such as she/her/he/him, which can lead to questions about what this means. In cases like this, genderfluidity could be the reason behind the use of more than one pronoun.

Understanding Genderfluidity

Genderfluidity is an identity that encompasses the experience of shifting between genders over time. This may involve feeling like both a man and a woman at different times, or embodying a gender identity that fluctuates. Genderfluid individuals are distinct from those who identify as non-binary, which often refers to an absence of a fixed gender. Instead, genderfluid people experience being both male and female—although not necessarily at the same time.

For example, a genderfluid person might lean more heavily into one set of pronouns, such as she/her, during certain periods, and then shift to feeling more comfortable with he/him pronouns during other times. These changes don’t usually happen day-to-day but may occur over weeks or months. This fluid experience of gender can influence the way individuals present themselves and the pronouns they prefer to use at any given time.

It’s important to note that genderfluid individuals may sometimes use multiple pronouns—such as she/he—in public-facing spaces to provide clarity about their identity and to communicate the potential for shifts over time. This practice helps others understand how to address them, even when that fluidity isn’t immediately visible.

Pronouns in Professional Settings

In professional environments, using the correct pronouns is essential for fostering respect and inclusion. If you encounter someone who uses multiple pronouns, it’s crucial to respect their preferences and adapt as necessary. Mistakes may happen, but what’s most important is the effort to use the correct pronouns and the willingness to acknowledge and correct any missteps. In professional spaces, these actions contribute to a culture of inclusion, showing that the organization values each person’s identity.

Many genderfluid individuals may feel more comfortable using different pronouns based on how they currently identify. If someone transitions between using she/her and he/him over time, it’s helpful to remain open and respectful of those shifts. What matters most is ensuring that individuals feel seen and respected for who they are in their current state, whether they are identifying as male, female, or somewhere in between.

Understanding Genderfluidity and Trans Identity

While genderfluidity and transgender identities are distinct, they share some similarities. Both involve an experience of gender that might not align with societal expectations or physical appearance. Genderfluid individuals, like those who are transgender, may feel that their internal sense of self doesn’t always match how others perceive them externally.

However, not all genderfluid people consider themselves transgender. The experience of genderfluidity is unique, and individuals may or may not experience discomfort with their bodies. It’s important to understand that every person’s journey with their gender is personal, and respecting their specific identity—whether they see themselves as transgender, cisgender, or something else—is crucial.

Final Thoughts

Pronouns are a small but essential part of creating inclusive spaces, especially in professional environments. By respecting the pronouns people provide, including those who identify as genderfluid, and staying open to shifts over time, we help foster a culture of acceptance and respect.

Mistakes will happen, but as long as the effort is made to understand and correct them, individuals and organizations are contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment. Whether you encounter someone using she/her, he/him, or a combination of pronouns, recognizing the fluidity of gender and adapting accordingly is key to supporting colleagues, clients, and communities in a meaningful way.