International Pronouns Day 2025: Respect, Recognition, and Representation

Today, October 15th 2025, marks International Pronouns Day a global moment to affirm the dignity of every person by respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns. Held annually on the third Wednesday of October, this day invites us to reflect on how language shapes inclusion, and how a simple act using someone’s correct pronouns can be profoundly affirming.

Why Pronouns Matter

Pronouns are more than grammar they’re expressions of identity, belonging, and respect. Whether someone uses she/her, he/him, they/them, ze/zir, or another set, honoring that choice helps create environments where people feel seen and valued. For transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, being misgendered can cause distress and alienation. Using correct pronouns isn’t just polite it’s a human rights issue.

What This Day Represents

International Pronouns Day began in 2018 as a grassroots movement. It’s not governed by a central body, which means anyone can participate schools, workplaces, community groups, or individuals. The goal is simple: make respecting and sharing pronouns commonplace. This year’s theme continues to center intersectionality, encouraging us to recognize how gender identity interacts with race, disability, culture, and more.

How You Can Take Part

Here are a few ways to engage meaningfully today:

• Share your pronouns in email signatures, social media bios, or name badges.

• Ask respectfully: “What pronouns do you use?” is a great way to show care.

• Educate others: Host a lunch-and-learn, share resources, or post a short explainer.

• Correct gently: If someone is misgendered, a simple “Actually, they use…” helps.

• Celebrate diversity: Amplify voices from trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse communities.

  
  

In the Workplace

For HR professionals and leaders, this is a chance to review policies, update onboarding materials, and ensure systems allow for inclusive pronoun options. Inclusive language in job ads, benefits documents, and internal communications sends a powerful message: You belong here.

Final Thoughts

Pronouns are personal. They’re also political, cultural, and deeply human. On International Pronouns Day, let’s commit to making every space online, offline, professional, and personal a place where people are respected for who they are.