How do I share my pronouns?

“One way is for students to introduce their names and pronouns when responding to questions asked by a lecturer,” advises Busiswe Deyi, a lecturer in the Department of Jurisprudence at the University of Pretoria (UP). “This might be intimidating for some students; they are under no obligation to do this in front of their classrooms.”

A less daunting way to share your pronouns, Deyi suggests, is to send an email to your lecturer introducing yourself and informing them of your preferred names and your pronouns.

Use the template below:

Dear Prof/Dr/Mx [insert name] 

I am writing to you to let you know that I identify as [insert your preferred name] and go by the pronouns [insert pronouns].
I am in your [insert name and class code]. On the register, my names and pronouns are probably indicated by [insert name] and pronouns [insert]. 

I would appreciate it if you would address me by my preferred pronouns and name in class and in emails as indicated above. I will be putting [insert your preferred name] on my assignments.

Thank you very much for your understanding.

Regards,

[name and pronouns]