For starters, I’ve identified as genderfluid for about five years. I’ve used a plethora of pronouns throughout those years and now mainly go by he/she. I tried he/they/she but then no one would ever use he/they. I’ve never really been good at correcting people about my pronouns unless it’s online because that’s where it started. In person, I tend to freeze up and get too nervous, telling myself that I can let it slide this time.
I’m realizing I can’t let that happen at my job if I’m going to be happy here. I just started a new job where everyone seems inclusive enough, but everyone has defaulted to using she/her. It’s actually driving me insane. When I made my work profile for the group chat, I put he/him because I know when they look at me they’ll only see my AGAB. I didn’t want to put up with it and thought I was nipping the bud early. I was wrong.
I should grow the guts to correct people, but I’m miles away from being able to physically transition and I’m afraid correcting people will make it worse. I don’t want to feel like I have to change my appearance in order for people to take my pronouns seriously, even though I know I might have to. I love dressing any way I want, and would hate to have to limit myself just to feel normal at work.
Has anyone else changed their pronouns at work and it went well? Does anyone have any advice on how to do this in a professional manner? I was thinking of wearing a pin on my lanyard with my pronouns, but I’d also be the only one doing that. But I also understand that if I have to be the first… so be it. But I am also so tired of having to be the first genderfluid person to walk in a room.