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Pronouns at work

222 replies

mrsclaus1984 · 08/01/2024 21:36

HR has mandated that from now on we are to include our pronouns in our email signatures.

I don’t wish to do this and am being threatened with formal action.

I feel I should add I don’t consider myself to be transphobic/ homophobic/ general LGBTQ+ phobic.. but I have an issue with being forced to do this.

They are also talking about us addressing any new colleages with gender neutral pronouns until we know for definite how they wish to be addressed.

Does anyone know where I might stand from an employment law point of view in terms of the action which may be taken against me? I’d be so grateful for any advice please.

Getting a bit worried now😕

OP posts:
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7
Nineteendays · 08/01/2024 22:10

maximist · 08/01/2024 22:06

One solution....

Hahaha thy/thou would be brilliant 😂

but as PPs have said just throw it back at them- you don’t feel comfortable being forced to label your pronouns as you are not ready to disclose them. Or something like that

CaramelMac · 08/01/2024 22:09

AbsolutelyFemale · 08/01/2024 21:48

I always think less of someone if they have pronouns in their email signature. It makes them look rather ridiculous. So I'd be opposing it as well. Perhaps email fairplayforwomen.com for some advice?

I always assume that they’re not whatever the pronoun is, otherwise why would “Susan” need to tell me she’s she/her?

titchy · 08/01/2024 22:07

She/he/her/his/they/them

Grin
maximist · 08/01/2024 22:06

One solution....

Pronouns at work
Nousernamesleftatall · 08/01/2024 22:06

They can’t force you. They can’t discipline you. Like the pp I take a dim view of people with pronouns in their signatures.

Glarptip · 08/01/2024 22:02

If you must use "pronouns," change them twice a day.

LoobyDop · 08/01/2024 22:02

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

And yet we aren’t quite drowning out the delicate trip-trapping hooves of the bridge-dwellers.

Theyarehere · 08/01/2024 22:00

You could explain you are uncomfortable with it and if they force you then they are potentially “outing” you before you’re ready to go public. I thought most companies had got bored with this now?

Viewfrommyhouse · 08/01/2024 21:57

Thankfully, my employer doesn't ask this of us at work. I'd they did, I'd refuse and refer to Forstater v CDG Europe. Declaring your pronouns would assume you subscribe to gender identities, which you are not legally obliged to. Gender critical 'beliefs' are indeed 'worthy of respect in a democratic society', and that belief is protected under the Equality Act 2010. To force you into any other option could be viewed as coercive or as discriminatory under the aforementioned Act. A firm No Thank You.

Zanatdy · 08/01/2024 21:57

I really dislike this and thankfully we are not being mandated to do it, but encouraged

Fireyflies · 08/01/2024 21:56

Can you go with - "my name is well-known as a woman's name so I do not feel this is necessary"? The only purpose then becomes a political statement of solidarity which is not the purpose of an email footer.

Pandajane · 08/01/2024 21:56

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BeardieWeirdie · 08/01/2024 21:55

I like the line “my pronouns are sex-based, like my oppression”. If being a feminist is a sackable offence in a company run by blue-haired teens, I’d possibly be outraged that they want to out you when you haven’t decided what your pronouns are yet.

Fionaville · 08/01/2024 21:54

I wouldn't do this. I'd say I was offended by it, because it should be obvious. It surely isn't lawful grounds to dismiss?
It seems pretty sexist to me too. Countless women in various fields have often avoided their title in correspondence for various reason and have just sign off with their initial and surname. Like female authors have often done.
I would refuse and wouldn't be forced into it.

BeardieWeirdie · 08/01/2024 21:49

From Sex Matters:

You might have any number of reasons for rejecting a call to “state your pronouns”. These may be rooted in your religious beliefs, philosophical beliefs (including feminist convictions), sexual orientation, or simply discomfort at being required to participate in a ritual based on a belief you don’t share. All of these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act.
People who consider themselves transgender but who haven’t taken steps to transition and are not ‘out’ can also find being asked for their pronouns upsetting.

https://sex-matters.org/posts/updates/pronouns/#:~:text=Remember%20that%20it's%20not%20necessary,t%20announce%20them%20at%20meetings.

Pronouns at work - Sex Matters

Do you have to state your pronouns? Do you have to use someone else's preferred pronouns? We have detailed advice.

https://sex-matters.org/posts/updates/pronouns/#:~:text=Remember%20that%20it's%20not%20necessary,t%20announce%20them%20at%20meetings.

AbsolutelyFemale · 08/01/2024 21:48

I always think less of someone if they have pronouns in their email signature. It makes them look rather ridiculous. So I'd be opposing it as well. Perhaps email fairplayforwomen.com for some advice?

NoMoreFalafelsForYou · 08/01/2024 21:46

I personally would use them in my emails, but you're right in that you shouldn't be forced to if that's what they're doing.

jeaux90 · 08/01/2024 21:46

Gender critical beliefs are protected in law.

You do not have to believe in Gender identity or use pronouns for yourself as per the Forstater judgement.

Your HR people are way behind

Christmasusernamepending · 08/01/2024 21:43

Ridiculous. I wouldn't participate in nonsense.

Wrapunzel · 08/01/2024 21:43

Feminism board might be helpful, I've had (mandated) pronoun usage advice there before

RitaFromThePitCanteen · 08/01/2024 21:42

Tell them thay they're being discriminatory in forcing you to out yourself against your will (you don't have to say what you'd be outing yourself as).

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