Victorian public servants using pronouns in email signatures in ‘woke’ trend

This trend is gaining traction among public servants in a bid for inclusivity — but the move has been slammed for being divisive.

A new trend to use gender pronouns in official communications is gaining traction within the Victorian Public Sector, but critics have labelled the shift an example of “woke” public service.

Public servants are using their pronouns – such as he/him, she/her and they/them – in their email signatures in a bid to promote inclusivity and support for transgender and non-binary colleagues.

The use of pronouns helps avoid assumptions about a person’s gender identity and allows people to affirm their identities, according to the Inclusive@Work initiative.

A Victorian government spokesperson said an increased use and discussion around pronouns helped “normalise” the language.

The use of pronouns was a way to be more inclusive of transgender and non-binary colleagues.

“Public servants are encouraged to use inclusive language to demonstrate respect in both our workplaces and in developing and delivering policies, programs and services for all Victorians,” the spokesperson said.

One senior public servant said the trend was noticeably becoming more common, but said it was self-directed rather than an instruction.

“There are some middle managers encouraging it,” she said.

Victoria Police officers and staff have the option to include their preferred pronouns in official communications, but the title isn’t mandatory.

“Employees are encouraged to adopt this initiative to help eradicate negative discussions around gender diversity and show support for trans and non-binary colleagues,” a police spokesperson said.

Several organisations have encouraged employees to use their chosen pronouns in name badges and email signatures.

“There is no disciplinary action associated with the improper use of these pronouns.”

A growing number of private organisations including universities, large businesses and charities have also jumped on the trend.

Employees and volunteers at RSPCA Victoria are encouraged to include their chosen pronouns on email signatures and name badges.

“We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion, where all people feel valued, acknowledged, accepted and safe,” head of people and culture Erin Dann said.

“We believe it’s important to lead by example, as individuals and as an organisation, to recognise, promote and celebrate diversity within the workplace and the broader community.”

But critics have dubbed the trend as “divisive”.

Dr Bella d’Abrera, foundations of Western Civilisation Program director at the Institute of Public Affairs, said the use of pronouns was “dehumanising”.

“Gender pronouns are dehumanising because they encourage the divisive notion that Australians should be defined by their gender and sexual proclivities rather than as individuals,” Dr d’Abrera said.

“This is forcing the recipients of the email to actively participate in something in which they don’t necessarily believe, which is that there are more than two genders.

“Are people who don’t put their ‘pronouns’ on the bottom of emails going to be singled out by their colleagues? This is another example of a woke public service that is fundamentally at odds with the values of mainstream Australians.”

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