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Council, advocates mark International Pronouns Day and press for inclusive practices
Summary
Montgomery County Council recognized International Pronouns Day with a proclamation and community speakers who described local needs for visibility, pronoun education, affirming health care and housing supports.
The County Council on Oct. 15 recognized International Pronouns Day in a morning proclamation led by Council Vice President Kate Stewart and Council Member Krista Mink.
Local advocates and community leaders spoke at the ceremony and introduced themselves with their pronouns. Jessica Wilson of CCI Health Services, Lee Blinder of Trans Maryland, MP (director of research at Trans Maryland), and other community representatives urged county leaders to expand visibility and practical steps—from including pronouns in email signatures to ensuring health-care access and safe housing for LGBTQIA+ residents.
Lee Blinder said training and practice are required for everyone, including members of the trans and nonbinary communities, and noted the value of local supports: "There's a welcoming community here for you, and while we cannot ever make up for the hurts that you've experienced, we're here to catch you and to offer care and to offer resources." MP highlighted findings from the 2023 Maryland Trans Survey and said the county subsample showed diverse gender-identities and pronoun use, with 45% of respondents using more than one pronoun.
Council Vice President Stewart said the county will distribute pronoun pins and informational handouts and encouraged residents to practice respectful, inclusive language in daily interactions.
