Hi everyone! My name is Athena Schwartz and I use they/them pronouns. I am a GLAAD Campus Ambassador who goes to the University of Utah. I wanted to wish y’all a Happy #InternationalPronounsDay. Every year on the third Wednesday of October is International Pronouns Day!

The creators of the day say #PronounsDay "seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace”. Pronouns are how people refer to one another and how we talk about others. This event is focusing on third-person personal pronouns.

So why are pronouns so important? I’d love to hear from you all and I’ll share my own experiences too. I first started using they/them pronouns for myself in tenth grade, but honestly I probably would have used them sooner if I knew they/them singular was an option!

Hearing singular they/them pronouns for the first time felt like someone was finally telling me about a part of myself I didn’t know existed. I felt whole, giddy from this new possibility.

At first, introducing myself using they/them pronouns became like introducing myself as me for the first time. It took me a few years before I felt comfortable sharing with my pronouns with others because it didn’t feel like a norm.

Using my pronouns is a small way to express my identity and when people use them, it leaves a huge impact on me. The people that use my pronouns are the ones that make me feel like I matter most. People can make a difference to me is by introducing themselves with their pronouns.

This is how it all started for me and it’s often how I feel comfortable sharing my pronouns. When people do this, I feel more welcomed and like I matter to this person. When people use my correct pronouns, I feel welcomed and like I am given a space to grow!

Pronouns are important bc for me they tell others that I am queer and I am visible. Asking and talking about pronouns needs to be an everyday norm. Pronouns can also change so check ins can show how much you value your trans friends. (Check out these wise words from @LeeAirton!)

Also remember that trans people do not owe you an explanation! It can be exhausting needing to explain myself and correct people on my pronouns 24/7. If you ever make a mistake, correct yourself and move on! We all make mistakes. What matters most often is the effort.

If you’ve always been sure of your pronouns, great! If you’re out and proud with your pronouns, awesome! If you like pronouns for yourself, but you're not comfortable sharing them yet, I’ve been there! If you’re testing out new pronouns, you are valid!

If you use multiple pronouns, your pronouns change often, if you just don’t care, I see you and I support you. This #InternationalPronounsDay take a sec to recognize how important pronouns are and create the norm of asking. Remember that using pronouns is suicide prevention.

Learn more from my fellow GLAAD Campus Ambassadors who are trans, genderqueer, gender fluid, and non-binary on why pronouns matter! https://www.glaad.org/amp/6-glaad-campus-ambassadors-share-why-pronouns-are-important-them

I recently created stickers of different pronouns for people to wear and share. And I included a vote sticker in this batch too! Both issues are different but very important to me year round - especially in such an important time for the LGBTQ community.

LGBTQ voters - especially trans voters - should be encouraged and supported this election, as there are barriers in place that stunt our community's ability to vote safely and freely. LGBTQ voters can check out http://glaad.org/action  for more information and resources.