Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro was the first 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to mark International Pronouns Day Wednesday.
“Using someone’s correct pronouns—and giving your own—isn’t difficult. I’m Julián Castro, he/him/él,” Castro tweeted.
“It takes one extra breath to help people feel seen and respected. I think that’s worth it. #PronounsDay” he continued.
“Someone reminded us that it really is hard for some people, and can trigger anxiety or dysphoria. I’m grateful to learn how to be more inclusive of people all genders,” Castro also tweeted.
But Castro was not the only 2020 candidate to embrace introducing himself with his pronouns. Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), alongside businessman Tom Steyer, all include their pronouns in their bios on Twitter.
Charlotte Clymer, the press secretary for rapid response at the Human Rights Campaign, tweeted that South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D) also included his pronouns in his Twitter bio, although it was not immediately clear when the pronouns were added.
International Pronouns Day was marked Wednesday to “make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace,” according to the day’s website. It began in 2018.
“Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities,” the website said.