What is your gender pronoun? Do you know what the gender pronouns are? Why do gender pronouns matter?

You may have noticed that at YNPN-TC events, facilitators ask attendees to share gender pronouns during introductions. We've realized that not everyone is familiar with this practice and wanted to give members an opportunity to learn more.

JAC Stringer will facilitate a discussion on why organizations are adopting the practice of introducing a person with their name and gender pronoun and how the community can continue to be inclusive of the LGBTQ community. The workshop will begin with providing information on what gender identity is, explain the different gender pronouns and some practices organizations can adopt to be culturally inclusive. There will be opportunity for Q&A at the end of the session.

About the speaker: JAC Stringer, MSW, LGSW is a trans, disabled, Native American activist and social worker. He has worked as a community organizer, educator and service provider for over fifteen years with a focus on the transgender and LGBTQPIA community and the needs of at-risk youth. In 2008, he founded the Midwest’s first regional trans health organization Heartland Trans Wellness Group, where he served as Executive Director for eight years. During this time, he became an internationally known educator on trans activism, human services and program development. He is committed to servant leadership and has a strong passion for radical community building. As a therapist, JAC uses social justice as an avenue to build trauma informed safer spaces where people feel supported, validated and heard.