Trans-Inclusive Classrooms
Aisha Wilks and E. Scherzinger
DID YOU KNOW that it’s better to use gender neutral pronouns (they/them) rather than assuming a student’s pronouns?
Not all students feel comfortable sharing their pronouns for various reasons — and that’s no one’s business but theirs. Professors, however, can model respect in their classroom by introducing themselves and their pronouns.
For example: “I’m Professor A and my pronouns are she/her.”
Resources
While pronouns are often a major focus of trans inclusion, they are the first step towards a safe, welcoming environment for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students. For more information on trans-inclusive classrooms, please see:
- The 519’s Education and Training Resources
- McMaster University’s Trans Inclusion Resource (.docx)
- The University of Waterloo’s Gender Pronouns and Teaching
- Z Nicolazzo, “How to create affirming classroom experiences in college for trans students”