Have you ever opened an email from someone named Pat, Tracy, Jamie, or Manny and automatically assumed the sender was female, only to realize they were male? If so, you’re not alone—it’s a common mistake. I’ve been on both the giving and receiving end of this confusion. Now imagine receiving an email from Andrea (a masculine name in Italy) or Sasha (a common male name in Eastern Europe). Names that seem ambiguous in one culture may be clearly gendered in another.

In today’s interconnected world, name ambiguity is an unavoidable reality. And that’s okay—it’s part of what makes our global community diverse and interesting. This isn’t something cultural norms should aim to fix, nor should they try. That’s where pronouns come in. Stating, requesting, and using pronouns is a straightforward and respectful way to navigate this challenge—not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone, especially heterosexual men and women. Pronouns help us see people for who they are, not for who we assume or expect them to be.

Respect goes beyond name ambiguity. Some people are born intersex, with both male and female characteristics. Pressuring them to choose a category isn’t just unfair—it denies the natural complexity of human biology. Whether you believe in science, nature, evolution, or a higher power, this is how they came into the world. Using pronouns is a simple way to honor their individuality while fostering respect and harmony. If someone chooses to identify with a category, it should be their personal decision, not something imposed by cultural norms.

Misgendering someone, even unintentionally, can create awkwardness for both parties. For the person misgendered, it can feel invalidating. For the speaker, it may be embarrassing. Sharing and asking for pronouns eliminates this guesswork, ensures smoother communication, and helps maintain mutual respect in any setting.

Using pronouns doesn’t just benefit nonbinary, trans, or intersex individuals—it’s helpful for everyone, including cis, heterosexual men and women. That’s why we’ll continue to embrace them. In a world where connections span cultures and continents, pronouns are a simple yet essential tool for fostering understanding, respect, and inclusivity in our modern, digital lives.