Society has taught us to make assumptions about what pronouns �(e.g. she/hers, he/his, they/theirs) to use for someone at first glance. �But sometimes a person’s gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned gender at birth.

By being thoughtful about pronouns, you can make sure that �everyone feels welcome in your salon.

Timely’s new pronouns feature means that staff and clients can easily select and share their pronouns.

Not sure how to navigate conversations about pronouns with your clients? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

• The role that hair and beauty professionals play in helping clients express their gender identity
• The benefits of creating an inclusive space for your clients
• How it feels to be misgendered in a salon
• How it feels to have your gender identity affirmed and supported in a salon

The context

• What are pronouns and why are they important?
• Inclusive language and how to use it

The basics

• How to ask your clients about their pronouns
• What to do if you accidentally misgender someone

The application

A M N E S T Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L , 2 0 1 8 R E P O R T

The number of people who don’t fit into the typical binary categories of male or female might surprise you.

Around 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits — comparable to the number of people born with red hair.

F O R E X A M P L E

Traditionally, hair and beauty salons have always been highly �gendered spaces. We have been taught to constrain clients with gendered pricing, gendered language and gendered salon spaces.

When an individual first transitions, one of the first things they do is �go to a hairdresser or a nail bar, and look for something that it's going to affirm their gender. For some, it's getting hair extensions; for others, it's getting a buzz cut.

P E T A F R I E N D ,

O N H O W I T F E E L S T O H A V E Y O U R G E N D E R A F F I R M E D

For an LGBTQIA+ person, when someone misgenders you, it implies that they do not recognise your gender identity.

When this happens regularly, it can be really distressing. It can feel as though others do not respect you, and you cannot be your whole, authentic self.

The most common way to misgender someone is to make an assumption about their gender identity, based on their assigned gender at birth. You can avoid misgendering your staff and clients by using Timely’s new pronouns feature or asking for their pronouns directly.

I've been misgendered a lot of my life. And when you're unable to �be validated, or feel like you're not heard or seen, in any situation, whether it be in the boardroom, or in a bar, it's not nice, and it does make you feel a little bit out of place, and like you don't belong.

Misgendering doesn’t just happen to the LGBTQIA+ community.

It’s not uncommon for someone with an androgenous or unusual name (example: Adrian, Taylor, Jordan, Jesse) to be misgendered too.

When you make an effort to use an LGBTQIA+ persons’ correct pronouns in a welcoming and friendly way, that person feels seen, respected and valued.

You are showing them that you see them

You are showing them that �you respect their identity

You are showing them that they are welcome

It's so wonderful, especially in the beginning, when you hear �those pronouns for the first time. It's like, suddenly the world is �seeing me as I see myself. I don't have to explain who I am.

P E T A F R I E N D ,

O N H O W I T F E E L S T O H A V E Y O U R G E N D E R A F F I R M E D

You might not realise it but we all (!) use pronouns, all of the time.

Pronouns matter. They are deeply connected to a person’s identity. �We can show respect by calling someone by their pronouns – just as we show respect by learning a person’s first name.

Here are some of the most common pronouns:

Timely’s new pronouns feature allows you, your staff and your clients to clearly and concisely display your correct pronouns. This will help LGBTQIA+ persons to easily share their pronouns and avoid being misgendered.

If you’re a LGBTQIA+ ally, it’s important that you use the feature too. This will help to normalise the feature and ensure that LGBTQIA+ persons don’t feel alienated.

Clients can update their pronouns at the time of booking online �(this is completely optional)

Option 1

Once the feature is enabled, staff can also jump into Timely and update their profile to include their preferred pronouns. This will display to clients during the booking process.

Option 2

If a client tells you their preferred pronouns during a consult, you can then update that client’s profile in Timely to avoid misgendering them next time.

Option 3

Client pronouns will show on their client profile and your calendar so you always have the right information to hand.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Using the pronoun selector has not only ensured my clientele feel comfortable and safe, but it’s allowed me to charge clients based on the skill, time and product used rather than by gendered categories.

L A U R A S P I N N E Y , H A I R S T Y L I S T & �O W N E R O F M U L L E T M O M M Y S Y D N E Y

If your client didn’t specify their pronouns �at the time of booking, you might want to ask them during their consultation.

Another tip is to listen to how your clients self refer, or how others refer to them (particularly �if they are with friends/ family). Mirror the pronouns they use.

By doing this, you are showing clients that �your salon is a safe space and that you are a queer ally.

Hello, my name is Brihony. My pronouns are they/them. What are yours?

Here’s a script you could use:

The Application

So you’ve misgendered someone. �Mistakes happen.

Now, what’s important is that you apologise, fix your mistake and move on quickly (don’t become defensive because this isn’t about you, hun).

I’m sorry, I meant [insert correct pronoun here]. Thank you for correcting me. I’m going to make sure �I remember that for next time.

Here’s a script you could use:

While the new pronouns feature is entirely optional, switching it on can benefit your client experience:

By being proactive about pronouns, you will ensure that all of your staff and clients feel safe and comfortable.

By taking steps not to alienate potential clientele, you’re opening yourself up to a larger client base. If your clients feel like they belong in your salon, they’ll not only keep coming back; they’ll encourage their network to visit you as well.

While the new pronouns feature is entirely optional, switching it on can benefit your client experience:

By having a system in place to confirm your clients’ pronouns, you can avoid misgendering new clients (and the uncomfortable conversation that follows).

Your non-LGBTQIA+ clients most likely won’t be offended by the pronouns feature; but it’ll make a world of difference to your clients who need it.

You can help your team and �clients explore their identity �and feel their true self in a safe, loving environment.

You can be part of the change.

You can be a meaningful ally.

You can tell every LGBTQIA+ person that walks through your door: �“you belong here”.

There are so many amazing benefits when we open the door to anyone and everyone – diverse customers, diverse suppliers… Truly cultivating a culture of inclusion helps bring you more customers.. which is ultimately incredibly important.

M A R Y H A D D O C K - S T A N I L A N D , �B E N E F I T S OF C R E A T I N G A N I N C L U S I V E S A L O N