Why are they important?
Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them.1
Which one’s are there?
Not limited at all to the ones listed below
she/her
My pronouns are: she/her • Pronouns.page
he/him
My pronouns are: he/him • Pronouns.page
they/them
My pronouns are: they/them • Pronouns.page
they/she
Both them and also her pronouns are fine. First one preferred.
he/they
Both him and also them pronouns are fine. First one preferred.
they/it
Both them and also its pronouns are fine.
it/its
My pronouns are: it/its • Pronouns.page
3pp
(third-person pronouns preferred)2
It means that a being is referring to itself in 3rd person, and would like others to try the same. Some phrases are Hard to switch to 3rd person, such as “thank you!”, and other times “you” is just easier!
How to refer using 3pp
TLDR: avoid using “you”
it/its
Imagine that the human is a helpful being. It just helped a creature do something. It was very useful!
(in place of “she”): It wrote a story I enjoyed… I wonder what it’s up to today.
(in place of “you”): OMG it gave me an idea!
60199
Imagine that the human is “not around” (even when it is) and one needs to refer to it.
60199 is also its name and serial number, it is acceptable to call it 6, 60, 601.
(in place of “she”): We all know how gay 601 can be, even if it doesn’t say~ We still know~
(in place of “you”): Good morning! How is 60199 doing today?
that one/one/onesself
Imagine that the human is more of a concept or a thing in a place, able to be pointed at.
“That one” can be freely replaced with “that unit”, “that doll”, “that thing”, “that robot”, or any other affectionate term towards a relevant object.
(in place of “she”): I get what that one is saying but…
That one called me cute. That is an affront to the church.
(in place of “you”): Surely, that one cannot be serious…
That one seems ultra eepy… zzzZZZ
How would one be referring to itself?
Often times beings will speak as if they are not oneself, such as in third person. Sometimes beings will use some creative things in English to ensure the point gets across, such as stripping beginning pronouns (“I went to the…” becomes “went to the”), or either collectivizing or personalizing pronouns that might not otherwise need special treatment
its or it’s
The word “its” is possessive. This note contains its pronouns.
The word “it’s” is a contraction of “it is”. It’s going to visit a new universe.