You Can Finally Add Pronouns to Your Instagram Profile... Here's How

Photo credit: Instagram - Twitter
Photo credit: Instagram - Twitter

It's been a long time coming, but Instagram has finally added a feature where users can add their preferred pronouns to their profiles. Whether you use the app to step up your selfie game or catch up with your besties, this is a necessary update to keep expressing your authentic self through social media.

Instagram announced the update in a tweet on May 11. The pronouns feature is now available in "a few countries" and will eventually take effect worldwide.

"Add up to 4 pronouns and edit or remove them any time. You can also choose to display pronouns to only people who follow you," read the update in a Twitter thread.

Instagram hasn't announced which countries have access to the pronouns feature, but we know that the United States is one of them.

So, if you haven't found the option to add pronouns to your profile, you might need to update the Instagram app. Make sure to check the App Store (or Google Play Store, if you're an Android user) to download it.

How to Add Pronouns to Your Profile

Photo credit: Instagram - Twitter
Photo credit: Instagram - Twitter

The best part about this update is that it's user-friendly, which means it's incredibly easy to navigate. Read on to see how you can add your preferred pronouns to your profile.

  1. Head to your profile and tap "Edit profile."

  2. You'll be redirected to the fillable forms that make up your profile information. Tap "Pronouns" and add up to four pronouns you identify with.

That's all there is to it! You should be able to see your pronouns in gray next to your display name.

Why Pronouns Are Important

A ton of people have been celebrating Instagram's latest update as it's a step toward a more inclusive environment, but some are wondering why it even matters.

Pronouns are one of the many ways individuals portray their identities. When someone introduces themselves with their pronouns, they are asking for you to respect their identity. This is especially the case when it comes to transgender and nonbinary people who may not identify in the gender binary.

When more people — especially those who are cisgender — add pronouns to their social media profiles, email signatures or in-person introductions, it destigmatizes the usage of pronouns. It also normalizes that someone's physical appearance isn't interchangeable with how they identify. For example, someone can present themselves in a traditionally feminine way but use they/them pronouns.

According to the University of Colorado's Center for Inclusion and Social Change, purposely referring to someone using the incorrect pronouns can not only lead to that person feeling disrespected but also lead to "dysphoria, exclusion and alienation." Instagram's update is a much-needed feature to promote inclusivity.

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