The LGBTQ+ Center ran a one-hour round table discussion in honor of International Pronoun Day Wednesday, aiming to produce an open space for dialogue and reflection, highlighting the history of pronouns in the English language and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community nowadays regarding pronoun choices.

The Center’s director, Ken Ditlevson, and assistant director, Meghan Schwind, assigned the planning and execution of this round table discussion to Cameron Ratliff and Noah Hite, both interns at the Center. 

In preparation for the discussion, the interns researched the history of “singular they,” the history of pronouns in the LGBTQ+ community, how they are currently used and usage in the future. 

“[International Pronoun Day] really helps bring awareness to gender, sexuality and identity as a whole,” Ratliff said. 

The event started with participants introducing themselves, followed by them presenting their names and preferred pronouns.

The slides then guided a history of using gender-neutral personal pronouns in Old English times. Presenters also shared the different existing neopronouns with their proper pronunciation and the importance of respecting those who want to be referred to by such pronouns. 

“We’re stronger together, we bond together and work together,” Ditlevson said. 

The second part of the discussion, Ratliff and Hite presented a series of guiding questions to stimulate discussions, particularly to reflect on questions surrounding how to address people who go by two pronouns and how to find a balance between them.

It’s a case by case basis, […] it depends on the person, you ask them,” Hite said.

The event concluded with an opportunity to gather in smaller groups and discuss further the importance of the center hosting these events.

“Having a day for it [pronouns] can really teach people, serves as a day of education,” said Candy, an LGBTQ+ student attending the RTD. 

Similar events such as ‘Homecoming Parade’ and ‘Asexual/Aromantic Roundtable Discussion ‘ can be found in the Center’s “Gay Agenda.'” 

For people looking for other forms of support, the center, located ​​at the Student Center Room 024, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can contact the center via email at [email protected] or by phone at (330) 672-8580.

Sofia Giotti-Teixeira is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].