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Aside from our names, pronouns are one of the most common ways we identify the people around us. Honouring and respecting the pronouns that others go by is something we can all do to help foster inclusive and caring spaces.
At CHEO, providing gender-affirming care by making sure that every child, youth and caregiver is referred to with their preferred name and pronouns is one more way we can help every child and youth live their best life and be their full, authentic self.
Hear from one family, who wrote to us after their visit to let us know just how big of a difference it made to have their child’s pronouns respected. PS. At the family’s request, we’ve changed the name in this note to respect their privacy.
"My oldest, Chris and I were at CHEO last week for their bone density scan and bloodwork. The day was completely unremarkable. Chris went to school and did their math exam and then we rushed to get to CHEO. We found a parking spot and got checked through at the Main entrance. Lots of cute babies in the waiting area, so the wait passed quickly. Scan and lab work went smoothly. We realized that it was getting late so we went to the cafeteria for the first time and had a yummy lunch.
Chris is in grade 10 and thinking about a career in nursing. As we sat eating our lunch, Chris said “You know, I think I would really like to work at CHEO”.
I just wanted to let you know. It wasn’t a special or unusual visit. It wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. Chris’s pronouns and name were respected all day. No slip ups, no giggles, no quizzical looks at any point.
Chris felt seen as a person and because of that, was able to start daydreaming about a future in healthcare.
Huge thanks to you and your whole team."
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