Bre Calma: What is a pronoun? Why does it matter? And what to do if you make a mistake?

Education
Government

COHRE
Winnipeg
human rights

Humans, On Rights is an intellectual and stimulating conversation with human rights grassroots influencers, community leaders, policymakers, advocates and educators about their passion to become human rights champions. Humans, On Rights host Stuart Murray, the Inaugural President & CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will explore with his guest the power of a positive outcome when you connect the three human rights dots - Education. Mobilization. Take Action.

In the English language, our most commonly used pronouns (he/she) specifically refer to person’s gender. For queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, ad transgender people, these pronouns may not fit, can create discomfort, and cause stress and anxiety.

Bre Calma (they/them) is a non-binary queer. They have an extensive education background, and they were most insightful when they thoughtfully captured why pronouns matter in a gender debate. Bre lays out how pronouns play a crucial role in respecting and affirming individuals’ identities, reducing discrimination and stigma, supporting mental health and well-being, and promoting inclusivity and understanding.