Journalists who are she/her and they/them navigate newsrooms, beats, and bylines with both feminine and nonbinary identities, bringing distinct perspectives to coverage of gender, media, and representation. This guide explains how to refer to, interview, and source stories with nonbinary journalists, outlines common workplace experiences, and provides actionable guidance to news organizations and editors. The aim is accurate, fair reporting that reflects journalists’ self-described pronouns and professional needs while strengthening public trust through inclusive practices.
Key concepts and definitions
She/her pronouns and they/them pronouns
She/her and they/them are widely used pronoun sets. She/her typically refers to women and many feminine individuals; they/them is a standard singular pronoun used by many nonbinary and gender-diverse people. A journalist may use she/her, they/them, or both, depending on personal identity and context. Respecting stated pronouns is a baseline professional and ethical standard in journalism.
Nonbinary identity in newsrooms
Nonbinary describes gender identities that are not exclusively man or woman. For many nonbinary journalists, they/them pronouns affirm their lived experience, while some also use she/her when expressing femininity. Newsrooms that recognize multiple pronoun usage demonstrate structural awareness of gender diversity and reduce the risk of misgendering in stories, emails, and bylines.
Why pronoun clarity matters in journalism
Correct pronoun use protects credibility, reduces legal risk, and supports psychological safety. Misgendering can erode trust with both colleagues and audiences, and may constitute discrimination in many jurisdictions. Clear pronoun practices in style guides, onboarding, and assignment desks improve accuracy across beats, from culture and politics to investigative coverage.
Best practices for interviewing nonbinary journalists
Ask pronouns early and record them in source sheets; normalize asking for everyone. Use the journalist’s stated pronouns in quotes, emails, and internal notes. If uncertain, politely ask for confirmation rather than assume. Respect privacy if a journalist has disclosed pronouns internally but not publicly. Avoid framing pronouns as preference; treat them as factual elements of identity necessary for professional communication.
- Ask pronouns during intake or pre-interview forms, not on air or in sensitive contexts unless invited.
- Update content management system fields to store and surface pronouns where appropriate.
- Use name and pronoun fields in copy desks and show calls to reduce mistakes.
- When quoting a source who uses they/them, use they/them verbs and adjectives (they report, they say) even in tight copy.
- Train editors and producers on inclusive language and legal obligations related to privacy and discrimination law.
Representational considerations and ethics
Coverage of nonbinary journalists and sources should avoid unnecessary focus on anatomy or private life. When relevant, frame stories around lived experience, institutional barriers, and policy implications. In headlines and decks, respect pronoun usage as a matter of accuracy, not ideology. Consult legal and editorial leadership when coverage risks outing someone or revealing protected information without consent.
Organizational and operational steps
Newsrooms can embed pronoun practice by updating style guides, introducing optional pronoun fields in HR systems, and including pronouns in email signatures where desired. Reporting tools should allow preferred names and pronouns in slugs and bylines when publication policy permits. Regular training, clear escalation processes for misgendering, and confidential feedback channels help normalize accountability and continuous improvement.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| She/her pronouns | Feminine-aligned usage; may be sole or combined with they/them | General linguistic usage |
| They/them pronouns | Singular they used by many nonbinary people | General linguistic usage |
| Nonbinary journalist needs | Clarity on name, pronouns, privacy, and byline preferences | Industry best-practice guidance |
| Legal considerations | Misgendering may raise discrimination risks in some regions | Employment law summaries (general guidance) |
| Editorial action | Update style guides, systems, and training to reflect pronoun use | Common newsroom policy recommendations |
Audience trust and transparency
Readers notice when identities are handled carelessly. Clear attribution, accurate pronouns, and consistent bylines reinforce reliability. When corrections are needed, acknowledge mistakes promptly and explain steps to prevent recurrence. Transparent processes around pronoun policy and source handling strengthen institutional credibility over time.
Summary and next steps
Journalists who are she/her and they/them deserve precise, professional coverage that reflects their identities and roles. Newsrooms should adopt standardized intake forms, system fields, training, and editorial checks to ensure pronoun accuracy. By treating pronoun use as a core editorial issue, organizations can reduce harm, improve inclusion, and report more faithfully on the communities they serve.