Many allies think that by avoiding pronouns and names, they are going to prevent themselves from "slipping up." This actually hurts your ability to memorize new names and pronouns. Try this instead.
Another tip to take this one step further for trans people with their own name and pronouns is to use the narration technique to practice in all sorts of different settings. I found you might do good in one type of social setting, but then going into a different situation in a different setting and it might be easy to slip. So, practice in all different types of settings and situations so you can ace them all!
I work at IKEA and we have numerous people that go by they/them. And we have turnover so I still don’t even know everyone’s names much less pronouns. I don’t think it’s rude to call people by their name instead of pronouns. It helps me remember their name. BTW. I am trans myself.
This is so spot on! Thanks for writing this. Going to share it far and wide in my life!
Another tip to take this one step further for trans people with their own name and pronouns is to use the narration technique to practice in all sorts of different settings. I found you might do good in one type of social setting, but then going into a different situation in a different setting and it might be easy to slip. So, practice in all different types of settings and situations so you can ace them all!
I just sent this to my parents who have suddenly regressed on my pronouns, thank you
I work at IKEA and we have numerous people that go by they/them. And we have turnover so I still don’t even know everyone’s names much less pronouns. I don’t think it’s rude to call people by their name instead of pronouns. It helps me remember their name. BTW. I am trans myself.