Pronouns at CGI
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) aims to make our virtual campus and practices inclusive, welcoming, and affirming for all. Using pronouns in email signatures and in account handles in virtual meetings are ways that postsecondary institutions and healthcare organizations show respect for and solidarity with transgender and non-binary colleagues. By declaring our pronouns in this way, we hope that non-binary and transgender communities feel safe interacting with us and that they belong in our community.
Why We Use Pronouns in Our Email Signatures & Virtual Meeting Names
One way we demonstrate our commitment to inclusion at CGI is through the encouraged use of pronouns in staff and faculty email signatures and in our Zoom virtual meeting names. We do not mandate this practice; we provide training to all of our staff and faculty members on gender identity and expression and the proper use of pronouns. This practice is in alignment with our mission and values as an institution.
Why We Feel This is an Important Issue
Recent studies show that Millennials are more than twice as likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than previous generations at a rate of 20% or more and that 56% of Gen Z have people in their lives who use gender-neutral pronouns. Workplaces and healthcare organizations must be prepared to address gaps in culture, education, and training that leave managers and care providers at a loss when it comes to meeting non-binary and trans individuals with respect.
As an employer and a postsecondary institution providing education and training to healthcare providers, we know how harmful legislative attacks are to the health and mental health of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize the multiple barriers this population faces in accessing adequate health care. We are committed to sharing evidence-based information with our community that results in improved health outcomes and inclusive environments in healthcare and education for all.
Recommended Resources to Learn More:
National Institutes of Health. Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. (2023). What are Gender Pronouns? Why Do They Matter? https://www.edi.nih.gov/blog/communities/what-are-gender-pronouns-why-do-they-matter
Gender Neutral Language Sheet: http://qmunity.ca/learn/resources/
GLSEN’s Pronoun Resource: https://www.glsen.org/article/pronouns-resource-educators
Transgender Student Educational Resources: transstudent.org
Disruptors at Work Podcast Episode: Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation (May 9, 2022): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-impacts-of-anti-lgbtq-legislation/id1544316824?i=1000561580398
Disruptors at Work Podcast Episode: Health Equity for Transgender Individuals (Jan 31, 2022) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-equity-for-transgender-individuals/id1544316824?i=1000549547094
