Within BIPOC, Queer (Trans*) spaces, introducing one’s name and pronoun are very important. In public spaces, marginalized groups and their identities face exclusion. Their names and pronouns are not always respected, and in some cases, even changed for the ease of others.
It can be challenging to tell others that they pronounce your name wrong or that they need to be corrected when saying she instead of they. When people gather in a group, be it online or in real life, there should be an understanding of this fact. There should be an understanding that there is a desire for the right pronoun and name, a basic need for safety to share feelings or opinions.
The Circle is an exercise where we create space for all people in the group, for pronouns, names, and feels. This exercise works best at the beginning of a workshop, lecture, meeting, or gathering.