not only showing pictures of straight couples but also LGBTQIA + couples . Then we took a deep dive into gender identity and sexuality terms .
The second segment of the program was largely focused on pronouns .
“ Any chance we have to introduce ourselves , we should introduce our pronouns ,” says Emma . That way , we are explaining who we are , which leads to others in the room identifying their pronouns . Then there is no uncertainty . It should not be offensive to ask someone for their pronouns , Emma adds . “ We can ’ t tell how someone identifies simply by looking at them ; expression is separate from identity , attraction , and sex .”
These are the most commonly used pronouns :
He / Him / His She / Her / Hers They / Them / Theirs Ze / Zir / Zirs , or Xe / Xir / Xirs
Some people don ’ t want to use pronouns at all and will ask you to refer to them by their name alone .
Messing up on a person ’ s pronoun is fine , as long as you are open to being corrected and they know that you want to learn . “ We need to recognize that we do make mistakes and that they can be corrected ,” says Emma . “ Correct the mistake , and move on . Continue the sentence using the correct pronoun . Thank them for letting you know .” Even the title of a person cannot be taken for granted : Mr ., Mrs ., and Mx . And just because someone has a feminine name doesn ’ t mean it ’ s a she / her pronoun , or visa versa .
The third session of the class centered on mental health and suicidality of young LGBTQIA + people under age 25 , really driving the point home of creating safe spaces in the community .
Schools are a big focus for Berkshire Pride and other LGBTQIA + organizations . The move is to make sure all have gender-neutral bathrooms , teachers who are
“ out ” feel safe , sex education is more comprehensive , and supporting the establishment of Gender and Sexuality Alliances , or GSAs — student-led and student-organized school clubs that aim to create a safe , welcoming , and accepting school environment for all youth , regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity .
On the first days of school , teachers and administrators should ask students these questions : their legal name , preferred name , and pronouns . It ’ s also important to know who that can be used with . “ A person has trusted you with this information , and you need to find out who it is safe to use it with ,” says Emma . “ You never know if you are endangering that person , so you need to be clear .” When the class was completed , we each received a course completion certificate , a Berkshire Pride sticker , and , most importantly , a greater understanding of what it takes to create a safe space . ■
Go to berkshirepride . org / classes for more information on the Certified Safe-Space Project and to sign up !
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May Holiday / June 2024 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // // 63