Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

The University of Maine System (UMS or System) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion by recognizing and respecting the gender identities and pronouns of our community members. This FAQ accompanies the Knowledge Base article Gender Identity and Pronoun Selection in MaineStreet (Employees and Students) (External Site) that guides you through updating your gender identity and pronouns in Student Information and HR Systems.

This FAQ includes the following information:

General Questions and Concerns

Where do I provide my gender identity and pronouns?

Gender and pronouns are updated in MaineStreet. Please see the Knowledge Base article Gender Identity and Pronoun Selection in MaineStreet (Employees and Students) (External Site) for details about available options and instructions for making selections.

Am I required to provide my gender identity and pronouns?

No. It’s your choice to provide this information in MaineStreet.

Are there benefits to providing this information?

There are several benefits to providing your gender and pronouns, including:

  • Creating a Culture of Respect: Providing your gender and pronouns creates a culture of respect in which everyone feels included and valued. Respecting gender identity builds trust and belonging among students, faculty, staff, and administrators. 
  • Reducing Bias: Providing your gender and pronouns normalizes diverse identities. This helps to address stereotypes and stigmas associated with gender. It can motivate others to be more inclusive of gender diversity.
  • Supporting Well-being: Providing your gender and pronouns can alleviate stressors related to misgendering. It also creates safer, more welcoming spaces for our community members to express their authentic selves.

Will updating my information in MaineStreet affect other systems and platforms? 

No. It’s your choice to include your pronouns in other UMS systems and platforms. Other places you may include your pronouns are Brightspace (External Site), Zoom (External Site), and Gmail signatures (External Site). These must be updated separately. 

Who can access my gender identity and pronouns in MaineStreet?

For students: Only faculty and staff with legitimate educational interest or “need to know” can view students’ information. This might include professional or academic advisors, faculty of currently enrolled classes, student support staff, etc. For more information about information privacy, see the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (External Site).

For employees: Only employees with legitimate business interest or “need to know” can view employees’ information. This might include but is not limited to Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, etc.

How is my information protected?

Gender identity and pronouns are not included in UMS Directory Information per FERPA requirements. However, there are special circumstances when UMS may disclose non-directory information, such as in response to a subpoena or court order, or when a student or employee provides consent to share their information. 

How is my information used?

Gender information may be included in aggregate data in UMS reports and summaries. Aggregate data does not contain any personally identifiable information.

What should I do if I’ve experienced discrimination or harassment based on my gender identity or pronouns?

You have resources available to discuss your concerns, provide you with options, and receive complaints or reports should you choose to file one: 

What is the UMS nondiscrimination policy?

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System). 

For more information, please see the UMS Board of Trustees Policy Handbook:

  • Human Resources and Labor Relations, Section 401: General Equal Opportunity
  • Human Resources and Labor Relations, Section 402: Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment

What legal protections exist for individuals regarding pronoun use?

The federal government has yet to regulate pronoun use in the workplace. While the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga. held that LGBTQ+ employees are protected from discrimination under Title VII, the ruling didn’t address whether misgendering or declining to use someone’s preferred name in the workplace violates federal civil rights law.

However, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has stated in guidance documents (External Site) that “intentionally and repeatedly using the wrong name and pronouns to refer to a transgender employee could contribute to an unlawful hostile work environment.”

If you have questions or concerns about misgendering and pronoun usage, please contact the UMS Office of Equal Opportunity at equal.opportunity@maine.edu or 207.581.1226.

Troubleshooting

I want to update my gender identity and pronouns in MaineStreet. How do I do that?

Please see the Knowledge Base article Gender Identity and Pronoun Selection in MaineStreet (Employees and Students) (External Site) for instructions. If you are both a student and an employee, you will need to make gender identity and pronoun selections in both the Student Information System and the HR System in order for them to be reflected in each.

I’m a part-time employee or a non-degree student. Can I update my gender identity and pronouns?

Yes. Please see the Knowledge Base article Gender Identity and Pronoun Selection in MaineStreet (Employees and Students) (External Site) for instructions. 

I accidentally selected the wrong gender identity or pronouns. How do I correct this?

Follow the same process outlined in Gender Identity and Pronoun Selection in MaineStreet (Employees and Students) (External Site). You can change and update your selections at any time.

My gender identity or pronouns are not included in the options. What should I do?

Use the Proposed Revision to Gender/Pronoun Options at University of Maine System form (External Site) to indicate your missing identity or pronouns. A UMS committee meets annually to review available options and update them as needed.

I updated my gender identity and pronouns, but they are not reflected in my MaineStreet account. What should I do?

Be sure to click the “Save” button after selecting your gender identity and pronouns; otherwise, they will not be reflected in MaineStreet. If you saved your selections and they are still not reflected, try refreshing your browser or logging out and back into your account.

I’m experiencing technical issues updating my gender identity and pronouns in MaineStreet. Who can assist me?

Before contacting someone for assistance, try doing the following to troubleshoot your issues:

  • Make sure your internet connection is stable.
  • Install any browser updates. 
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies.
  • Try a different browser. Mozilla Firefox is recommended for the best experience in MaineStreet.

If the issues persist, students should contact their university Registrar or Student Records office. Employees (including student employees) should contact their campus HR partner. 

I updated my gender identity and pronouns in MaineStreet, but they are not showing up in Brightspace, Zoom, or Gmail. What should I do?

Currently, updates to your gender identity and pronouns in MaineStreet do not transfer to other systems and platforms. If you choose to update this information, you must do it separately in Brightspace (External Site), Zoom (External Site), Gmail (External Site), or any other UMS systems and platforms.

I want to update my legal sex in university records. How do I do this?

Students should contact their university Registrar or Student Records office. 

Employees and student employees should contact their campus HR partner.

I go by a name other than my legal name. Can I update my preferred/chosen name in UMS systems?

UMS allows students and employees to indicate their preferred/chosen names even if they have not changed their legal names. A preferred/chosen name can include first, middle, and/or last name.

To update your name, follow the directions outlined in the UMS Name Usage Policy. Please see the “Frequently Asked Questions” sections for specific instructions for students and employees.

Understanding Gender Identity and Pronouns

What is gender identity?

Gender identity is distinct from biological sex, i.e., sex that is assigned at birth based on physical characteristics of genitalia. Gender identity is self-defined and can vary from person to person. It is a deeply felt internal sense of one’s own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth or go beyond typical binary concepts of male and female. 

What is the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and perceived gender?

  • Gender Identity – How an individual perceives their gender.
  • Gender Expression – How an individual expresses their gender through clothing, behavior, and other outward characteristics.
  • Perceived Gender – How others perceive an individual’s gender, which may or may not align with the individual’s actual gender identity.

Is gender identity different from sexuality?

Yes. Gender identity is about who you are, whereas sexuality is about who you are attracted to. 

How can I support someone who is exploring their gender identity?

Be open to potentially challenging conversations and create a safe space for them to express themselves. Actively listen and respect their journey and choices, even if you do not fully understand them. Continue to educate yourself on gender diversity (please see the Resources Section (External Site). 

What are pronouns?

Pronouns are words used instead of names. Some pronouns are gendered (ex: he, she) while others—called neopronouns—don’t express gender (ex: xe, ze). Pronouns typically reflect a person’s gender identity.

Why is using someone’s correct pronouns important?

Using correct pronouns is a way to respect someone and make them feel valued. It also helps to foster an inclusive environment.

What if I don’t know what pronouns someone uses?

If you’re unsure of someone’s pronouns, you can ask them “What pronouns do you use?” or “What pronouns do you go by?” However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone may feel comfortable or safe sharing their pronouns. It can be helpful to first share your own pronouns. You also can ask others to share their pronouns if they would like to instead of asking directly what their pronouns are. 

In situations where you are unable to ask about pronouns, it is best to use gender neutral pronouns such as “they” until you learn the correct pronouns. Don’t assume someone’s gender or pronouns based on their name or other characteristics

What if I make a mistake with pronouns?

If you use the wrong pronoun, a simple apology and correction are usually sufficient. Acknowledge your error, but don’t make yourself the focus of the apology or burden the person with comforting you for your mistake. Commit to doing better in the future.

What should I do if someone uses the incorrect pronouns for me?

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can say something like, “Actually, I use [correct pronoun] pronouns.” You might also decide to wait until a later time, such as when you are alone with the person, to correct their error.

What should I do if someone uses the incorrect pronouns for someone else?

Use discretion when deciding if, how, and when to respond. Your response should consider how well you know both the person who used the wrong pronouns and the person whose pronouns were misused. It’s possible the person wants to make the correction themselves, or they might not feel comfortable with someone else making the correction on their behalf. When in doubt, ask the person what they want.

If correcting someone is an appropriate response, say something like, “I believe [person’s name] uses [correct pronouns] pronouns.” Focus on the correction instead of drawing attention to the mistake.

What is a preferred or chosen name?

A preferred or chosen name is a name an individual selects for themselves, rather than their legally given or birth name. A preferred or chosen name often better reflects and affirms an individual’s identity. Anyone can use a preferred or chosen name. 

What is a “dead name”?

A dead name is the name assigned at birth to a trans, non-binary, or genderqueer person that they no longer use. Typically individuals with a dead name use a preferred or chosen name. Using someone’s dead name can be disrespectful and invalidating, as it likely no longer aligns with their gender identity. 

What if I accidentally use someone’s dead name?

Apologize sincerely, correct yourself, and move forward. Avoid making your mistake a focal point, as it may cause discomfort to the individual. Continue to educate yourself on gender diversity (please see the Resources section (External Site). 

Gender Identity and Pronoun Glossary

The University of Maine System’s Gender Identity and Pronoun Glossary is designed to enhance understanding and promote respect for the diverse gender identities within our community. This glossary is not exhaustive, as individuals’ identities and pronouns may evolve and they may use a variety beyond those listed. 

If your gender identity or pronouns are not represented in the current list, you can use the Proposed Revision to Gender/Pronoun Options at University of Maine System form (External Site) to indicate your missing identity or pronouns. A UMS committee meets annually to review available options and update them as needed.

Gender Identity

  • Agender (AG): An individual who has little or no personal connection with gender.
  • Demigender (DG): An individual who identifies partly but not fully with a particular gender or genders, including demiboy, demigirl, demifluid, and more.
  • Genderfluid (GF): An individual whose identity varies over time and who does not identify with a single, unchanging gender.
  • Genderqueer (GQ): An individual whose identity falls between or outside man/male and woman/female.
  • Man (MA): An individual who identifies as a man or male regardless of sex assigned at birth.
  • Non-binary (NB): An individual who identifies as neither exclusively a man nor a woman and who exists between or outside both genders.
  • Not in List (NT): An individual whose gender identity is not represented in the list. Reach out to the UMS Equal Opportunity office or propose additional options (External Site).
  • Prefer Not to Say (PN): An individual who chooses not to disclose their gender identity.
  • Transgender (TG): An individual whose sex assigned at birth differs from their present gender identity.
  • Trans Man (TM): An individual whose sex assigned at birth was female but who identifies as a male, man, or transgender man.
  • Trans Woman (TN): An individual whose sex assigned at birth was male but who identifies as a female, woman, or transgender woman.
  • Two-spirit (TS): An individual, typically of Native American or Indigenous heritage, who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit.
  • Unspecified (US): An individual whose identity is unspecified.
  • Woman (WO): An individual who identifies as a woman or female regardless of sex assigned at birth.

Pronouns

  • Any Pronouns (AP): An individual who is comfortable with any pronoun.
  • He/They (HT): An individual who interchangeably uses both male and gender neutral pronouns without a specific preference.
  • He/Him/His (HE): An individual who uses male pronouns.
  • Not in List (NT): An individual whose pronouns are not represented in the list. Reach out to the UMS Equal Opportunity office or propose additional options (External Site).
  • Please Ask (PA): An individual who prefers to be asked which pronouns to use.
  • Prefer Not to Say (PN): An individual who chooses not to disclose their pronouns.
  • She/They (ST): An individual who interchangeably uses both female and gender neutral pronouns without a specific preference.
  • She/Her/Hers (SH): An individual who uses female pronouns.
  • They/Them/Theirs (TH): An individual who uses nonbinary or gender neutral pronouns.
  • Unspecified (US): An individual whose pronouns are unspecified.
  • Use My Name Only (NM): An individual who prefers to be addressed by name and not pronouns. 
  • Xe/Xem/Xir (XE): An individual who uses gender neutral pronouns.
  • Ze/Hir/Hirs (ZE): An individual who uses gender neutral pronouns.
  • Ze/Zir/Zirs (ZR): An individual who uses gender neutral pronouns.

Resources

The following resources are recommendations for exploring and understanding gender diversity. While these resources offer a place to start, consider researching additional reputable sources for additional or more detailed information. 

General Resources for Gender Identity and Pronouns

Websites

(List of external sites)

Books

  • A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns (2018). Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson.
  • Beyond the Gender Binary (2020). Alok Vaid-Menon.
  • He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters (2023). Schuyler Bailar.
  • The ABC’s of LGBT+ (2016). Ashley Mardell.
  • The Gendered Brain: The New Neuroscience That Shatters the Myth of the Female Brain (2018). Gina Rippon.
  • Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource by and for Transgender Communities (2022). Laura Erickson-Schroth.

Documentaries

  • All in My Family (2019)
  • Disclosure (2020)
  • Do I Sound Gay? (2015)
  • Every Body (2023)
  • For the Bible Tells Me So (2008)
  • Gender Revolution (2017)

Podcasts

(List of external sites)

Resources for Educators

(List of external sites)

LGBTQIA+ Support and Advocacy in Maine

(List of external sites)

  • EqualityMaine – engages the LGBTQ+ community through political action, community building, education, and collaboration
  • Equality Community Center – provides an inclusive collaborative workplace for LGBTQ+ and allied social justice seeking nonprofit organizations
  • Frannie Peabody Center – offers HIV prevention, health services, and support programs for LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Mabel Wadsworth Center – provides clinical services, education, and advocacy using a feminist healthcare model
  • MaineTransNet – provides support, resources, and community connections for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals
  • Maine Queer Community Advocacy – advocates for the LGBTQ+ community through policy changes, resources, and support
  • OUT Maine – provides resources, programs, and a safe space for community building for LGBTQ+ youth
  • PFLAG Portland, Maine – provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, friends, and allies
  • Queerly Maine – increases LGBTQIA+ visibility, resource accessibility, and queer-centered outdoor programming 
  • The Gender Clinic – supports the health and well-being of transgender, gender diverse, and questioning people 
  • University of Southern Maine’s LGBTQ+ Collection – offers books, articles, and archival materials related to LGBTQ+ topics