(Financial News) Goldman Sachs has released guidance for its employees on the importance of using a person’s preferred pronoun when talking to or about them.
In a blog post, published late last week, Goldman told staff that using a person’s preferred pronoun is “a way to show respect and ensure a more inclusive environment”.
As well as listing the most common feminine, masculine and gender-neutral pronouns, it also put forward some practical tips. These included never assuming a person’s preferred pronouns, not making a big deal out of mistakes and understanding that people can choose to go by multiple pronouns.
It also encouraged its staff to proactively share their preferred pronouns, offering the following example: “Hi, I’m Karen! My pronouns are she/hers. Welcome to the team!”
In the last year, two Goldman Sachs employees, Maeve DuVally and Nat Kilsby, shared their stories on gender identity and their transitions while at the bank.
Kilsby, who is the head of operations engineering in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, wrote a letter to their younger self, in which they said: “And you will realise your gender identity is complex, and well, what makes you you! Coming out won’t be scary anymore.”
Kilsby wrote a separate post on LinkedIn explaining why they prefer they/them/theirs. “When I’m presenting female and someone refers to me as “he” it can trigger an emotional reaction of self doubt and guilt,” Kilsby said.
The move by the US bank comes at a time when Wall Street, and financial services more broadly, is making a greater effort to improve diversity and create inclusive workplaces.
In the UK, the Bank of England and the Investment Association, the trade body representing fund managers, have both issued guidelines for companies on how they can better support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual professionals.
