Instagram has added a new feature allowing users to list their preferred gender pronouns on their profile.
The social media photo and video sharing platform announced the move on Twitter, saying users in the US, UK, Canada and Australia are the first to get access, with plans for more countries to be added soon.
Users can add up to four pronouns from a list by visiting their profile page, clicking 'Edit Profile' and looking for the 'Pronouns' field. The preferred pronouns can be displayed to either everyone, or only to followers, depending on user choice.
"We are giving people more tools to express themselves on Instagram. Sharing pronouns has been widely adopted by our community, and with this feature we hope to normalise the adoption further," a Facebook company spokesperson said.
The company consulted with organisations including GLAAD and The Trevor Project in order to establish the initial list of pronouns and will continue to expand the list over time.
Besides the most common pronouns - he/him, she/her and they/them - there are many other options including xe/xem/xyr, ze/hir/hirs and fae/faer/faers, with the ability of users to submit a request if their preferred pronouns aren't listed.
The public display and correct use of pronouns has increased in recent years with singer Sam Smith announcing in 2019 they were to be referred to as 'they/them' and, recently, Juno actor Elliot Page announcing they were transgender with 'he/they' pronouns.
