Pronoun Circles are Humiliating

And It’s Never Cool to Be the “She”

Last night, I went to a class at a circus school, excited to learn a new skill. 

It was a small class of only 4 students, including myself. 

While I was standing there waiting for class to begin, the teacher approached me and asked me how I pronounce my name. We shared a moment of humor when she told me a cute story about why she always likes to make sure, and I warmed up to her. 

Then she asked for my pronouns. 

An invisible spotlight glared into my eyes. Everyone was standing there, looking at me—listening for my answer. As far as I know, I am the only student who was asked this question.

“Oh…I don’t do that,” I said.

She looked genuinely confused. “So is it no pronouns? Should I just use your name?”

“I just don’t like to introduce myself that way,” I said, growing quietly enraged that this was becoming a whole thing. 

Her confusion persisted.