Public clueless on use of pronouns for LGBTIQ+ persons
THE RIGHT
LGBTIQ+ Human Rights Activist and Strategic Human Rights Program Consultant, Bradley Fortuin pleads with members of the public to match the pronouns of the LGBTIQ+ community with their gender expression.
According to Fortuin, pronouns are a form of identity. He explains that it is important to take note of how the LGBTIQ+ community wants to be identified or referred to, as they have a right to use the gender identity pronouns that match their personal identity.
Fortuin further says the LGBTIQ+ community has a right to self-identity as stipulated in the Constitution and other human right mechanisms. “It is important to note and be aware that pronouns of the LGBTIQ+ may or may not match their gender expression, how the person dresses, behaves, looks or expresses themselves,” said Fortuin.
Fortuin believes that there is need to continue to raise awareness at various platforms including schools, kgotla setting, church, and even in homes on gender identity and pronouns. The awareness needs to be done in an effective and efficient manner. He is convinced that when awareness is raised on sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions in a local language, it helps with decolonisation of gender identities.
“Public education is done, but at a small scale and this is largely because local organisations, activists and movements that deal with such are limited in capacity, resources and reach. Collective efforts and multi-sectoral collaboration will help immensely in reaching more people and communities on use of pronouns and more,” said Fortuin.
They also use days that commemorate human rights, among others, to raise awareness, as well as social media and community dialogues by activists and human rights organisations. The pronouns in question include the use of ‘she,’ ‘he,’ ‘his,’ ‘her,’ ‘them,’ and ‘their’ among others. In simple terms, an LGBTI person who was assigned female at birth may prefer to be addressed as a “he,” and vice-versa, according to their own expression.