There are many gender non-specific salutations and honorifics that can be used in our context! Dr and professor, for example, are both gender non-specific. These are traditional salutations and honorifics that you might not even think of as gender non-specific, but they can be used that way.

Leaving room for everyone to be who they are without minimizing them into two groups is an important practice. Showing folks respect is worth the effort. If an individual feels authentically seen, they are more likely to continue to engage with you in the future.

In terms of pronouns, using they/them as a singular pronoun can be inclusive when you don’t know what pronoun an individual uses or you do know that they use they/them. If you do know someone’s pronouns, for example if they are listed in someone’s Zoom window or email signature, use the pronouns that person has identified. When you see someone who might use multiple pronouns, the best thing to do is ask! This varies by the person, but as you work with that person, ask them how they want you to use their pronouns. Until you know for sure, though, you can use any/all of the pronouns that person lists.

Examples of Inclusive Language

Rather Than:	Try:
He/she (referring to someone of unknown gender)	They, or use their name.
Assuming you know someone’s gender, but allowing yourself to be corrected if you get someone’s pronouns wrong	They until you know which pronouns a person uses, or asking the person before using a pronoun.
Sir/ma’am	There isn’t a widely-accepted form of address that fits this, so we recommend leaving it out.
Mr., Ms., Mrs., Miss (if you don’t know the appropriate title)	Mx. (pronounced like “mix”) - or just omit the title until you know. Using Dr. or Prof. before someone’s name (as appropriate) is another great alternative.
Ladies & gentlemen	Esteemed guests, honored guests, or friends
Boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife (if you don’t know the word a person uses for their partner)	Partner/spouse