I have been working on a photo project in regards to pronouns and I figured today would be the best day to promote it and ask for more participants. In honor of international pronouns day, I want to shine light on pronouns and the importance of them. Pronouns are very important in today’s society. People make assumptions about the gender of another person based on the person’s appearance or name. It is important to know and understand that the assumptions that we make aren’t always correct and can create a hostile and uncomfortable environment for others. When people assume the pronouns that a person uses, it perpetuates the idea that people have to look a certain way to demonstrate the gender that they are or are not.
I want to use my photography as a way to highlight this issue that I have witnessed. Too often, I’ve witnessed people disrespect, laugh, and mimic a person for the pronouns they use. I’ve witnessed the struggle and emotional labor that my peers have endured while navigating society. I have also witnessed people not caring to refer to individuals as they wish. I understand the importance of pronouns and I strive to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment everywhere that I am. As I am still learning, I think it’s important that I use my privilege as a cisgender man to highlight issues that my intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming peers go through and to help promote change.
This photo series is not limited to intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals. This project is also for cisgender individuals who also see the value in respecting pronouns. This photo project is to help get rid of our assumptions of what preferred personal pronouns individuals use. *This is an ongoing project*
