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Adding Pronouns on Discord: A Comprehensive Guide

Adding pronouns to your Discord profile is a simple yet powerful way to promote inclusivity and respect within your communities. It helps others address you correctly and fosters a more welcoming environment for everyone. Let’s dive into how you can do it.

How to add pronouns on Discord?

Unfortunately, Discord doesn’t have a built-in, universally standardized pronoun feature… yet. Therefore, adding pronouns usually involves a workaround. Here’s the breakdown of the most common methods:

Using a Pronoun Bot: This is the most widely adopted and recommended approach. Bots like PronounBot or TypicalBot allow users to select their pronouns through commands. These bots then automatically assign roles that display your chosen pronouns next to your username.
Adding Pronouns to Your Nickname: Simply append your pronouns to your Discord nickname. For instance, if your nickname is “Alex,” you could change it to “Alex (he/him)” or “Alex [they/them]”.
Using a Status: Discord allows you to set a custom status. Many users utilize this feature to display their pronouns. Your status could read something like “Pronouns: she/her” or “Using they/them pronouns”.
Dedicated Pronoun Channels: Some servers create dedicated text channels where members can state their pronouns. While not directly displayed next to your name, it provides a central location for pronoun information.
Custom Roles (Manual Server Setup): If you’re a server administrator, you can create custom roles for each set of pronouns. Users can then be assigned the appropriate role, visually displaying their pronouns next to their username. This method requires more manual management but offers greater control over customization.

Each method has its pros and cons, but using a pronoun bot offers the most seamless and widely accepted solution within the Discord community. The right option for you will depend on what features you value the most.

Setting Up Pronouns with a Bot (Example: PronounBot)

Let’s walk through setting up pronouns using PronounBot, a popular and user-friendly option.

Inviting PronounBot to Your Server

First, you’ll need to invite PronounBot to your Discord server.

Visit the PronounBot website or search for “PronounBot Discord” online.
Click the “Invite to Server” button. This will typically redirect you to Discord’s authorization page.
Select the server you want to add the bot to from the dropdown menu.
Authorize the bot by reviewing its permissions and clicking “Authorize”. Make sure it has the necessary permissions to manage roles.

Setting Your Pronouns

Once the bot is in your server, you can set your pronouns using commands.

Find the appropriate command: PronounBot typically uses commands like !pronouns he/him, !pronouns she/her, !pronouns they/them, !pronouns he/they, or !pronouns she/they. Refer to the bot’s documentation or use a command like !help to see the available options.
Type the command in a text channel on the server.
The bot will assign you the corresponding role, and your pronouns will appear next to your name in the server.

Benefits of Using a Pronoun Bot

Automation: Bots automate the process of assigning pronoun roles, saving server administrators time and effort.
Consistency: They ensure consistent pronoun display across the server.
Ease of Use: Users can easily update or change their pronouns with simple commands.
Inclusivity: Makes it easy and visible to share pronouns, encouraging others to do the same.

Alternative Methods: Nicknames and Statuses

While pronoun bots are generally the preferred solution, let’s look at the other approaches.

Modifying Your Nickname

This is a straightforward method, but it has some limitations.

Right-click on your name in a server.
Select “Change Nickname”.
Add your pronouns to your nickname, such as “Alex (he/him)”.
Save the changes.

Pros: Simple, requires no bot.

Cons: Can make your nickname lengthy, requires manual updates, and isn’t easily standardized across different servers.

Utilizing Your Status

Your Discord status offers another option.

Click on your profile picture in the bottom left corner of the Discord window.
Click “Set a custom status”.
Enter your pronoun information, such as “Pronouns: she/her” or “They/Them”.
Choose a duration or select “Don’t clear”.

Pros: Easy to set, visible across all servers.

Cons: Can be easily overlooked, less prominent than a role, and the character limit may be restrictive.

Considerations for Server Administrators

If you’re a server administrator, consider the following:

Choose a pronoun solution that aligns with your server’s culture and needs.
Communicate clearly how members can add their pronouns.
Educate your community on the importance of using correct pronouns.
Monitor and moderate the use of pronouns to ensure respect and inclusivity.

Why Adding Pronouns Matters

Making your pronouns visible on Discord contributes to a more inclusive and respectful online environment. It avoids assumptions, reduces the risk of misgendering, and normalizes pronoun sharing, which can be especially important for transgender and non-binary individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding pronouns on Discord:

1. Why isn’t there a built-in pronoun feature on Discord?

While Discord hasn’t officially implemented a dedicated pronoun field, they have acknowledged the importance of pronouns and are likely considering future improvements. The lack of a current feature may stem from design complexities in integrating it seamlessly across all server types and user preferences.

2. Which pronoun bot is the best?

The “best” pronoun bot depends on your specific needs. PronounBot and TypicalBot are popular choices known for their ease of use and reliability. Carla and MEE6 (with custom commands) can also handle pronoun roles, however, they require a premium subscription to be used. Consider the bot’s features, user reviews, and how well it integrates with your server’s existing setup.

3. Can I use multiple pronoun sets?

Yes! Many bots support multiple pronoun sets (e.g., he/him, they/them). When using a pronoun bot, refer to its documentation to learn the correct command syntax for selecting multiple pronoun sets. When using the nickname or status method, you can list multiple sets separated by commas or slashes.

4. How do I change my pronouns on Discord?

If you’re using a pronoun bot, use the bot’s commands to remove your current pronoun role and add the new one. If you’re using your nickname or status, simply edit the text to reflect your updated pronouns.

5. What if a bot doesn’t have the pronoun set I use?

Some bots allow server administrators to create custom pronoun roles. Check the bot’s documentation or contact the bot’s developer for assistance. If that’s not an option, using your nickname or status might be a better choice, giving you more flexibility.

6. How do I remove my pronouns from Discord?

If you’re using a pronoun bot, use the bot’s command to remove your pronoun role (often something like !pronouns remove). If you’re using your nickname or status, simply edit or clear the text.

7. Can server administrators force users to display their pronouns?

No, forcing users to display their pronouns is generally discouraged. It can be insensitive and potentially harmful to individuals who are not comfortable sharing their pronouns. Focus on creating a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable sharing pronouns voluntarily.

8. What should I do if someone misgenders me on Discord?

Politely correct them. Most people are willing to correct their mistake. If the behavior persists or becomes malicious, report it to the server moderators or administrators.

9. Is it okay to ask someone’s pronouns on Discord?

Yes, it is generally acceptable to ask someone’s pronouns, especially if you are unsure. However, be respectful and accept their answer without question. Avoid repeatedly asking or pressuring someone to share their pronouns if they are hesitant.

10. How can I encourage others to add their pronouns on Discord?

Lead by example! Add your pronouns to your profile and explain why it’s important to you. Encourage server administrators to implement pronoun bots or other systems for displaying pronouns.

11. Are there any privacy concerns with using pronoun bots?

Some users may be concerned about data collection by pronoun bots. Before adding a bot to your server, review its privacy policy and ensure you are comfortable with its data handling practices. Most reputable bots prioritize user privacy.

12. What if a server doesn’t allow pronoun bots or other pronoun display methods?

Unfortunately, if a server prohibits pronoun bots or other methods, you may not be able to display your pronouns. Consider whether this aligns with your values and if you wish to remain active in that server. You can also respectfully express your concerns to the server administrators and explain why pronoun visibility is important.