Instagram has added a new pronouns feature to user profiles, allowing users to make their pronouns public or only share them with their followers. The social media company announced the new input area on Twitter, allowing users to add up to four pronouns to appear alongside their name on their profile. Users may choose to show their pronouns publicly or only to their followers, though users under the age of 18 would have the latter choice enabled by default.

Add pronouns to your profile ✨

The new field is available in a few countries, with plans for more. pic.twitter.com/02HNSqc04R

— Instagram (@instagram) May 11, 2021

Although the most recent update is currently only available in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, Instagram has announced that more countries will be added in the future.

Users can add pronouns to their profiles by going to their profile, clicking the “Edit Profile” button, and then clicking “Pronouns.” Users will start typing their preferred pronouns and then choose the most suitable words from the results.

After consulting many LGBTQI+ organizations, such as The Trevor Project and GLAAD, Instagram created a list of available pronouns, which currently includes the following:

• co / cos
• e / ey / em / eir
• fae / faer
• he / him / his
• she / her / hers
• mer / mers
• ne / nir / nirs
• nee / ner / ners
• per / pers
• they / them / theirs
• thon / thons
• ve / ver / vis
• vi / vir
• xe / xem / xyr
• ze / zie / zir / hir

Users can submit new pronouns here if their desired pronoun is not available on the list. The singular pronoun “they” was named Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year in 2019, and it is used in this context to refer to “a single individual whose gender identity is nonbinary,” as well as those whose gender is unclear or deliberately obscured.

Sarah Kate Ellis, the president of GLAAD, previously shared in a statement:

“Pronouns matter, and adding inclusive pronouns to a contact form is more than just a demonstration of allyship. Research has shown that recognition and respect of our pronouns can make all the difference for our health and wellbeing — especially when it comes to LGBTQ youth.”

This move by Instagram to be inclusive of all gender expressions is an excellent one towards exhibiting true allyship towards the LGBTQI+ community, as many people find these online digital spaces alienating, especially when it comes to the Trans community. This feature is not only useful to the LGBTQI+ community, but also allows cisgendered individuals to be upfront and share their gender identity. All in all, this is perhaps one of the best efforts that Instagram has done this year. In related IG news, we rounded up 4 great job boards on the ‘Gram.

Photo via Instagram