Every third Wednesday of October, people around the world observe International Pronouns Day. In 2026, it takes place on October 21.

International Pronouns Day encourages us to make sharing, respecting, and learning about personal pronouns a regular part of everyday life. Just as using a person’s correct name is important, using the pronouns they share is a simple way to show respect. This small action can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

What are personal pronouns, and why do they matter?

Pronouns are words that people use when referring to themselves or others. Some examples include she/her, he/him, they/them, she/they, he/they, xe/xem, and ze/hir.

People sometimes assume another person’s pronouns based on their name, appearance, or other characteristics. However, those assumptions may not always be correct and can feel disrespectful. Using the pronouns a person shares is an important way to acknowledge their identity and show respect.

At RRC Polytech, we are committed to fostering a respectful, welcoming, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all students and staff. We all have a role to play in creating learning and working spaces where people feel valued, supported, and able to reach their full potential. Using the pronouns a person shares is one way we can help create that environment.

It is important to remember that everyone is different. Some people may choose to share their pronouns, while others may not. Some may use more than one set of pronouns, while others may prefer to be referred to by their name.

Sharing your own pronouns can help others understand how you would like to be referred to and may encourage open and respectful conversations. By respecting each person’s preferences, we can help create spaces where everyone feels welcome, safe, and respected.

Our Pronoun Booths in Action

To recognize International Pronouns Day, RRC Polytech hosted interactive Pronoun Booths at the Exchange District Campus (EDC) and the Notre Dame Campus (NDC) on October 19 and 20.

Students and staff were invited to stop by, pick up a pronoun pin, learn more about personal pronouns, and participate in activities that encouraged learning, reflection, and conversation about pronouns and respectful communication.

Creating Space for Pronoun Sharing

One of the activities featured a community Pronoun Sharing Board titled How Would You Like to Be Referred To?

Participants were invited to voluntarily share their pronouns and help normalize conversations about pronoun sharing across our campuses. The board quickly filled with contributions from students and staff, creating a visible reminder that everyone deserves to be addressed in a way that reflects who they are.

The activity highlighted the diversity of our Polytech community and demonstrated how small actions, such as sharing or respecting pronouns, can help foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Community Reflections

Participants were also invited to contribute to a reflection board titled Why Do Pronouns Matter to You?

Using prompts such as “Pronouns help me…”, “I share my pronouns because…”, and “Learning about pronouns helps me…”, participants contributed thoughtful reflections on the importance of pronouns in everyday interactions.

Responses highlighted several common themes, including identity, respect, belonging, self-discovery, and creating inclusive spaces for others.

Many participants shared that pronouns help affirm who they are, support their sense of comfort and belonging, and ensure they are addressed correctly. Others reflected on the importance of respecting pronouns as a way to avoid making assumptions about another person’s identity and to help create a more welcoming environment.

Several responses also spoke to personal growth and self-discovery, with participants sharing that learning about pronouns has helped them better understand themselves and others. One participant noted that they are still figuring out their pronouns, while another shared that although they may not place much importance on their own pronouns, they care deeply about respecting the pronouns of others.

Together, these reflections demonstrated the diversity of experiences and perspectives within our community and highlighted how small acts of respect can help create a stronger sense of inclusion and belonging for everyone.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who visited the Pronoun Booths, participated in our activities, picked up a pronoun pin, and contributed to the conversations.

By taking the time to learn, reflect, and engage, our community continues to build a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Supporting Pronoun Inclusion at RRC Polytech

While International Pronouns Day is observed once a year, creating an inclusive environment is something we can all practice every day. One way to do this is by sharing and respecting personal pronouns in our interactions across the Polytech.

You can help normalize pronoun sharing by including yours in:

• Introductions and meetings
• Email signatures
• Your RRC Polytech online profile

Add Your Pronouns to Your RRC Polytech Profile

Employees

1. Log in to HUB and select HR Unlimited.
2. Select My Portal.
3. Open the Personal tab and select Personal Information.
4. In the Pronouns section, select Add or Modify Pronouns.
5. Choose your pronouns from the drop-down menu.
6. Select OK to save your changes.

Students

1. Log in to HUB and select Payments and Profile.
2. Under User Options, select User Profile.
3. Select Edit Personal Identity.
4. Locate the Preferred Pronouns section.
5. Choose your pronouns from the drop-down menu.
6. Select Save to update your profile.
7. For more information or assistance, contact studentservices@rrc.ca.

Learn more about pronouns:

To continue learning about pronouns and inclusive language, explore the following resources:

• What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?
• How do I use personal pronouns?
• What if someone makes a mistake and mispronounces someone else’s pronouns?
• How do I share my personal pronouns?
• How do I ask someone their pronouns?
• How do I use gender inclusive language?
• What other resources can help me?