PRONOUNS MATTER
“The Autistic Realm Australia Inc. endorses International Pronouns Day, which seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities. We encourage colleges, schools, workplaces, and local organizations to hold educational and empowering events on International Pronouns Day.”
TARA chooses to use pronouns in all social media, marketing and bios. We do this to normalise pronouns.
We do this to foster inclusion. We do this because everyone has the right to human dignity.
We do this in recognition of the Australian Government's rights afforded to our trans, non-binary and gender non conforming community.
And we do this because a tiny change of mindset and language can help protect an already marginalised and vulnerable community, many of who are friends and family.
Research has demonstrated that Transgender people experience a higher rate of suicide attempts than cisgender people. (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, 2021)
Transgender people aged 14-25 are fifteen times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, 2021)
Transgender and non-binary people experience high levels of psychological distress, compared to moderate levels experienced by cisgender people (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, 2021)
Transgender and gender diverse people aged 16 and over are nearly four times more likely to have experienced sexual violence or coercion. (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, 2021)
These statistics do not take into account LGBTIQ+ mental health overall as lack of comprehensive information does not consider how intersection with other identities and experiences affects mental health. E.g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, People with a Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, People with Disabilities, People From Rural, Regional and Remote Areas, People Experiencing Homelessness and People Experiencing Intimate Partner and Family (LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, 2021)
This International Pronouns Day make a difference by choosing to use pronouns.
If you are unsure of language and what words to use, read through some of the resources developed by lived experiences below.
If you do not have time to read them yet use the word "Them".
Source
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. (2021, April). A snapshot of mental health and suicide prevention stattistics for LGBTIQ+ People. Retrieved from https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/statistics/.
Comments