Bre Calma: What is a pronoun? Why does it matter? And what to do if you make a mistake?

In the English language, our most commonly used pronouns (he/she) specifically refer to person’s gender. For queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, ad transgender people, these pronouns may not fit, can create discomfort, and cause stress and anxiety.Bre Calma (they/them) is a non-binary queer. They have an extensive education background, and they were most insightful when they thoughtfully captured why pronouns matter in a gender debate. Bre lays out how pronouns play a crucial role in respecting and affirming individuals’ identities, reducing discrimination and stigma, supporting mental health and well-being, and promoting inclusivity and understanding.Bre included a deep and rich list of books and social connectors to learn, understand and introduce pronouns to our everyday conversation.A Transcription of the episode can be found here. Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride;We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib;How We Fight For Our Lives by Saeed Jones;A History of My Brief Body by Billy-Ray Belcourt;Stolen Bodies, Reclaimed Bodies: Disability and Queerness by Eric Clare;How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity by Stuart Getty.Madison Werner – she/her (@madisonwerner)Casey Tanner – she/they (@queersextherapy)Meg Emiko Lee – the/them (@megemikoart)Erika Hart – she/they (@iharterika)Mellissa Fabelo – she/her (fyeahmfabelo)Erica McNabb – they/them (@sexederica)Ruby Allegra – they/them (@rvbyallegra)Mari Wrobi – they/them (@genderfenderbender)Erika Gail – they/them (@mentalhealthfemme)Sarah Epperson – she/her (@sarah.epperson)