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172 COMING OUT AT WORK
The template at right is based on a real e-mail I’ve sent to introduce my pronouns to folks where I work. I also send a copy (cc) to Human Resources, in case I receive any hostile responses from colleagues who may not understand, and also as a way to hold Human Resources accountable for facilitating these conversations.
Expect warm messages and exclama- tions of thanks for sharing from colleagues. If some folks don’t fully understand and want to learn more, you can send them a link to an article explaining it or direct them to Human Resources (if you have notified them) to discuss further. If you receive hos-
tile remarks, do not engage; forward these messages to Human Resources.
After sharing your pronouns at work, ex- pect there to be slipups! The first few days may be tricky for some people, and some colleagues might not feel comfortable using your pronouns at all. Don’t take this personally! One thing that I like to remem- ber is that everyone possesses their own truth, and everyone is on their own learning journey. Although it is a bummer when peo- ple do not acknowledge your identity, you are making a big leap when you take the first steps to come out in your workplace. Good luck!
they, them
he, him
she, her
ze, hir
xe, zem