Respecting pronouns can save lives [Video]

While many are celebrating the strengths and gifts of the LGBT community during national Pride Month in June, it is important to remember that when it comes to transgender and nonbinary individuals, using the proper pronouns actually can save lives.

According to Community Commons, a staggering 82% of transgender and nonbinary individuals have seriously contemplated suicide. These individuals may face bullying and harassment and “frequently grapple with a life-threatening combination of increased mental health struggles and difficulty accessing appropriate medical care due to under-educated physicians, insurance coverage complications and discrimination.”

Using a person’s proper pronouns and chosen name are a critical piece that has been proven to directly benefit the health and well-being of transgender and nonbinary people. This is especially pronounced for gender-expansive youths, who often have less autonomy and fewer resources than adults. For adults with transgender or nonbinary young people in their lives, it is important to recognize that while …