Using personal pronouns promotes respect and care for others

As we celebrate Pride Month in June, the Penn State Health Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion remembers the civil rights struggles and commemorates the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals. One way the diversity office confirms its commitment to providing LGBTQ+ patient care for this community is to educate the workforce on the option to use personal pronouns.

People frequently refer to others using pronouns such as “he” or “she,” often making assumptions about the gender of another person based on the person’s appearance or name. Even if the assumption is correct, the act of assuming sends a potentially harmful message that people have to look a certain way to demonstrate gender.

In the health care environment, it is of great importance to use personal pronouns in a way that follows our RITE values (Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence). To help with this, the Penn State Health Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – with assistance from the LGBTQ+ Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) – has created tools for our workforce:

• Pronoun posters

Posters educate and remind the Penn State Health workforce of the need to use the correct pronoun. They show examples of how to use them and best practices in sharing them with others. Sharing pronouns should be encouraged as an option and not as a mandate. Order pronoun posters – available in English, Spanish and several other languages – from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion section of the printshop.

• Badge ribbons showing pronouns

Penn State Health is in the process of creating attachable badge ribbons that give employees the option of sharing their personal pronouns with others. More information will be provided once they are available.

 Other resources for LGBTQ+ employees and allies 

• Gender Health Clinic – The Gender Health Clinic at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, gender-affirming care for children, adolescents and young adults up to age 25 in a supportive and safe environment.
• LGBTQ+ BERGs – Penn State Health’s regional LGBTQ+ BERGs help provide education, information, support and advocacy services by creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ employees. To get involved, contact the diversity office at diversity@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
• Employee Health Care Concierge Service – Employees and their immediate family members can contact Employee Health Care Concierge Service coordinators for help with scheduling appointments with Penn State Health primary care providers, specialists or diagnostic service providers.
• Pride Month Celebration on Tuesday, June 28, noon–1 p.m. – Join Sonya Wilmoth, director of the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity at University Park for “Pride Month: Ally to Accomplice-Supporting Sexual and Gender Diverse Communities.” Register for the event.

To keep up to date on all diversity and inclusion events, sign up for the monthly diversity e-newsletter.

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