A Basic Human Right

Compass Health’s commitment to whole person health means supporting an individual’s mental health and the many other aspects that contribute to their overall well-being – including respecting their identity, a fundamental human right.

Identity, whether personal, legal, cultural, or collective, allows individuals to exist with dignity, and participate proudly in society. Denying or suppressing someone’s identity – whether through discrimination, lack of legal representation, or social exclusion – is a violation of their basic human rights and can have profound consequences.

Compass Health encourages everyone – each workforce member, client, vendor and other community partners – to express their individual identity clearly and freely using personal pronouns. We recognize the importance that identity affirmation plays in one’s sense of belonging, empowerment and self-determination.

With all of this in mind, Compass Health workforce members have been encouraged to include personal pronouns in their email signatures for some time. We are happy to share that many people do. Personal pronouns are also options on badges worn on-site identifying workforce members, interns, vendors, etc. and they are recognized in client paperwork as well. Our practices are helping make the introduction of pronouns a standard for all, further fostering a welcoming, safe environment for people of all identities and backgrounds.

As some people are not always familiar with why they are included, we wanted to share why this is important to us. For more information on the topic, please refer to this guide from the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network (RAIN) – Washington State Employees’ LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group.

VIEW GUIDE FROM RAIN