Active Allyship: Pronouns for Building Belonging

Imagine this. I was sitting in a panel interview for a job. There were three executives and a recruiter seated around the table. I was feeling great. It was my last of three interviews that morning. I was sure if this went well. I was getting an offer this week.

They asked me some standard interview question like, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" At this point, I was feeling terrific about my chances, so I went for the fun answer: “Working for you, Sean.”

I smiled. I was expecting a laugh, but that's not what happened next. It was as if the air left the room. I think I heard a mini gasp come from one of the executives. The person I referred to as Sean? Not his name, and he was the kind of person who took that very personally. 

"It's Steven," he said with a huff. 

"Shit," I said under my breath. 

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