Pronouns an essential box on the application form for new work ID card.

[NoAuthorityAtAll]

Started a new job recently in a public sector organisation and was filling out the online form for my ID card. It had preferred pronouns as an essential box (ie you couldn’t progress to the next stage without putting something in it - I did try leaving it blank). I’d noticed that everybody had pronouns on their signature, but for it to be compulsory to declare them on one’s ID card seems inappropriate for a public sector (or any actually) organisation.

I put n/a and am now panicking that I’ll get questioned about it or labelled as transphobic (which would be really damaging in my new role). My job is person-facing and I have no problem whatsoever with respecting people’s pronouns and gender identity in the course of my work (nor with colleagues), but I don’t want to be pressured into including pronouns on my ID and communications.

Is this a common situation? If anyone else has experienced similar, was there any comeback/ were you pushed further on it? I’m really quite worried.

Yes agreed.

Bez Mills ( zoo/zoom )

If asked why, I would say I like animals and space and my favourite dinosaur is stegasaurus

my email has “miss” on it, because I hate the term “ms” and I’m not married

I’m not furious if people use the wrong term, but I do appreciate not having the ball ache of constant correction

I imagine most of my trans friends are in same boat? I’ve never seen them get upset with an accidental mistake, but it being in the email signature does just save on regular correction and clarification which is boring and frustrating??

my email has “miss” on it, because I hate the term “ms” and I’m not married

Bu that's a title, not a pronoun. (And we haven't yet sorted some of them out yet)

It’s very boring and frustrating having to pander to people who insist you play along with their fantasy that they are the opposite sex as well

In Cornwall we use 'e a lot as a pronoun, it can mean you, she or he. Where are 'e going to? Did 'e ear what 'e did?

We also use they instead of those so you can combine that with 'e to get did 'e see they bleddy potholes?

That’s actually where I am, @TWETMIRF, so this would have been perfect!

In that case, go for pard/'e next time 😂

Hee/haw/aw

There are certain words and expressions which literally make toes curl. I have a few but my biggest reason is when I see pronouns next to a name. An expression I've read on mumsnet which always makes me laugh although not normally one I'd use but I'm going it say. The whole idea of writing he she him her they etc etc etc next to a name really boils my pi..

Did I get that right 😂
I'd have to be threatened with losing my job before I'd agree to write pronouns after my name,even then I'd be looking to find another job.

'Going to say it' 🤦‍♀️

I'd have to be threatened with losing my job before I'd agree to write pronouns after my name,

Which is the definition of forced speech, surely ?

I am pretty sure if you meet Andrea from Italy you will know the pronouns are he/him without him telling you. Admittedly it can be confusing if written, but go and look up Italian first names and that will reveal most pronouns.

I wonder how many people thought Andrea Camilleri was an Italian Agatha Christie ?

They are good books. Some people may have - I rather think the blurbs to the book make it clear?

Perhaps his book covers should be labelled

Andrea Camilleri (he/him) ?

...

I was at school with a girl who thought Tennessee Williams was a woman.

Well slightly better than thinking it's a place.

I would put n/a, or argue that it is unfair to declare it if you don't want to.

A non-binary teacher in Florida who was fired for using an Mx honorific in school has filed a wrongful discrimination against their employer - as state's 'Don't Say Gay' law sits in an appeals court.

This brings up an interesting dilemma. You go as a representative of a UK company or charity, and have accepted having to display your pronouns on your name tag. But it turns out that what you thought was progressive and kind in the UK is taken as being anything but that in another country!

Gosh - having it as a required field makes it such a wedge!
If you're in the UK and feeling bold you could say your pronoun is 'Equality Act 2010' - I think it protects the right to hold Gender Critical views