Community Runs on Respect: Start with Pronouns

Carmine Appice is a rock drummer best known for his work with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, the power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice, and Rod Stewart.

In 1983, after a stint with Ozzy Osbourne, he founded King Kobra with four relatively unknown musicians, including vocalist Mark Free.

Marcie Free died this week at the age of 71.

If a 79-year-old, hard rock drummer can get pronouns right, you can too.

Using correct pronouns is a basic sign of respect, just like saying someone’s name correctly. You don’t have to fully understand someone’s experience to honor how they ask to be addressed.

It’s not up to us to choose how people refer to themselves. Listen, use what they tell you, and keep it moving.

Small acts of respect add up, especially in a community built on trust. Whether on stage, on air, or in everyday conversation, they matter.