Instagram has added a dedicated space for pronouns to users' profiles,video lucah aiman tino freeing up some of that precious 150-character bio space for more sparkle emojis.
Announced Tuesday, Instagram's new feature allows users to display up to four pronouns in faded text next to their profile name. It's completely optional, so you don't have to add any at all if you don't want to, and you can remove or change them at any time.
The feature is a significant addition for gender diverse users, allies, and those exploring their gender identity.
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"We are giving people more tools to express themselves on Instagram," a Facebook company spokesperson told Mashable. "Sharing pronouns has been widely adopted by our community, and with this feature we hope to normalize the adoption further."
To add your pronouns, simply go to your profile, tap the Edit Profile button, then tap Pronouns. You can start typing whatever pronouns you wish, though you can only actually select from the results that pop up. This is so people can't input inappropriate words, and prevents jerks from listing their pronouns as "beep / bop / boop."
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Mashable's testing found 41 options on Instagram's current pronoun list, though the company intends to add more. Instagram consulted with various LGBTQ organisations when compiling its list of pronouns and neopronouns, including GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and PFLAG.
For now, you can choose from:
co / cos
e / ey / em / eir
fae / faer
he / him / his
she / her / hers
mer / mers
ne / nir / nirs
nee / ner / ners
per / pers
they / them / theirs
thon / thons
ve / ver / vis
vi / vir
xe / xem / xyr
ze / zie / zir / hir
Fortunately you can mix and match, so you won't be left out in the cold if you use both "she" and "they." If your pronouns aren't on the list at all, Instagram suggests either keeping them in your bio or using this form to request they be added.
There's also a toggle allowing you to hide your pronouns from anyone who isn't following you, which will be the default setting if you're under 18. It's a good option for people who aren't out to everyone yet, or who are concerned about being harassed.
Instagram's pronoun feature is currently only available in a few English-speaking countries, but there are plans to roll it out more widely soon.