03-05-2025
Don't ask about pronouns, university students told
Asking someone for their pronouns is now not inclusive, university students have been told.
The University of Liverpool has issued diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) guidance that warns that asking someone to disclose their pronouns may make them feel pressured to 'out themselves' as transgender.
The Russell Group university, which has been part of the controversial charity Stonewall's 'Diversity Champions' scheme since 2009, warns staff and students to avoid asking the question.
'When you first meet someone, you don't want to ask about their pronouns,' the guidance reads.
'This could make them feel like you're asking them to out themselves as transgender, agender, or non-binary, which they might not want to do, particularly if you work in a conservative office.'
Lord Young, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said the guide showed that 'what is politically correct in the trans community changes every 10 minutes'.
'This trans-inclusive language guide feels a bit 2024 in light of the Supreme Court's decision,' he told The Telegraph.
'Given that what is politically correct in the trans community changes every 10 minutes – from you must ask someone what their preferred gender pronouns are, to you must not in the blink of an eye – wouldn't it be better if universities stopped issuing these guides? They cannot hope to keep up, so why not just bow out?'
The guidance says that staff and students should instead introduce themselves with their own pronouns because it is 'an important indicator of support for trans and non-binary' people.
'By sharing your own pronouns, you're allowing the other person to share theirs, but not forcing them to,' it says.
The guidance adds: 'This small action can contribute towards creating a more inclusive environment for everyone to work and study no matter their gender identity.'
The university's DEI measures tell staff to put their pronouns in their email signature, always introduce themselves with them and use 'they/them' for everybody until they have made clear what pronouns they have.
The advice goes on to warn staff and students to not use the phrase 'preferred pronouns'.
'Despite the popularity of the term, it's incorrect, since 'preferred' implies someone's gender is a preference,' it reads.
Alka Sehgal-Cuthbert, director of campaign group Don't Divide Us, said students and academics should say 'thanks, but no thanks' to the guidance.
'We are human beings capable of speaking with each other, and working out differences, hurts and offences, ourselves,' she said. 'We don't need official approval or gold stars from anyone. This is an elemental freedom of being a free citizen in a democratic society - policing this, in whatever guise, encourages authoritarianism.
'There must be better jobs the so-called, often self-appointed, 'DEI experts' could be doing other than encouraging us to behave like infants or paternalistic carers.
'You can state whatever pronouns you want and still be a nasty person, and vice versa. Most of us know this. It seems like our academic elites are having problems understanding this.'
The guidance states that declaring pronouns is a 'personal decision' and that people should not be forced to share them.
'To include your pronouns is a personal decision, though it can make a real difference in reassuring our trans, non-binary, and broader LGBQ+ staff and students that they are welcome and accepted for who they are within the university,' the advice reads.
It adds: 'Ultimately, using gender-neutral pronouns doesn't require too much effort on your part, but it could make a huge difference in creating a warmer, more inclusive workplace environment for everyone.'
A spokesman for the University of Liverpool said: 'We are fundamentally committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and students, and proud to be a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community.
'This guidance - which is not mandatory - is intended to support inclusive communication and sits within our broader efforts to foster a respectful and supportive environment.'
