Seeking a Religious Accommodation Against Dehumanization

I may need this one day, and I mean every word of it.

Dear HR directors (and others who may encounter this issue in their professional or personal lives.)

I need to discuss a matter that’s both personal and universal: the intersection of faith, respect for others, and workplace accommodations. Specifically, I’m seeking what I believe is a simple, non-burdensome accommodation that aligns with my religious beliefs and principles.

The Core Tenet of My Faith

My faith holds an unwavering principle: I must not dehumanize anyone. Dehumanization, in all its forms, is an affront to the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. I see this as a universal truth, though my adherence is deeply rooted in my spiritual convictions.

This principle applies to everyone—regardless of their background, beliefs, or experiences. To dehumanize is to deny someone’s humanity, which I believe is an act of profound harm. It diminishes both the individual and those who participate in the denial.

Pronouns, Identity, and Dehumanization

When someone identifies as "non-binary" and claims they are neither male nor female, I hear a deeper claim: that they are somehow outside the framework of humanity. I don’t believe this is said out of arrogance, a belief in being superhuman. Tragically, it often appears rooted in feelings of being less-than—subhuman, even. This impression is often reinforced by visible signs of self-harm or self-degradation, which are all too common in this community.

Here lies my conflict. When I am asked—or commanded—to use pronouns such as "they/them" or other self-assigned “neopronouns” that suggest a person is beyond the binary reality of male and female, I feel I am contributing to their dehumanization. To comply with this request, in my view, is to affirm the idea that their humanity is negotiable or mutable. This is something I cannot do.

The Need for a Reasonable Accommodation

Therefore, I am compelled to request an accommodation in the workplace: to use pronouns that align with an individual’s biological sex. This practice does not impose any additional burden on my employer or colleagues. It simply reflects my adherence to a principle that all of us, at our core, recognize—our humanity is tied to our nature, and that nature includes our biological sex.

This request is not an attempt to deny anyone respect or dignity. On the contrary, it is driven by a profound desire to affirm the humanity of every individual I encounter. I believe it is possible to hold space for respect while staying true to one’s principles, and that’s what I aim to do here.

Why This Matters

Workplaces thrive when people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs find ways to collaborate without compromising their core values. My hope is that employers and colleagues can understand that this accommodation is not about exclusion or division—it’s about finding a way for me to navigate a challenging cultural moment while staying true to my faith.

I understand that this position may not align with everyone’s worldview, but I ask for the same respect and understanding that I strive to extend to others. We can only build mutual respect by allowing space for sincere differences, especially on matters of conscience.

Followers of Abrahamic religions may cite the following as evidence of their faith’s teachings:

• Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
  This verse underscores the belief that all humans are created in the divine image, affirming their inherent dignity.

• Leviticus 19:18: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
  A foundational principle of treating others with respect and recognizing their humanity.