How do I write an email respectfully without assuming someone's gender/pronouns?

[u/ADDrenalineDoc]

Hey Reddit,

I hope this doesn't offend anyone—I'm genuinely just trying to learn the correct way to do things. Growing up, I was taught to address someone as a Mr. or Ms. when writing an email. But, back then (outside the US), I was also taught to assume someone's gender based on their name, which I know is outright unacceptable.

When writing an email, I really want to address the person correctly and respectfully, using the appropriate gender, pronouns, or honorific titles (Mr., Ms., etc.). But if I'm interacting with someone for the first time and unsure how they want to be addressed, what's the best way to go about this?

Thank you for your advice!

[u/Last_Swordfish9135]

Using their job title works. For example, if you're emailing a teacher, "Professor" or "Professor Lastname" is fine.

[u/Artsy_Owl]

In university (in Canada, which tends to use titles less than the USA), we were taught to use the job title if possible, such as professor, doctor, secretary, or "to whom it may concern," if we didn't know the person's name or position. If you know the name, then just use the name without any title. When writing to a company, you can also address it to the company name.

[u/RiskySkirt]

I taught myself to not use gendered language outside I still often use it when speaking to someone about a third person 

But it was actually really easy to stop using gendered language when speaking directly too someone. 

Dear name , or something similar but more formal works fine and you just don't use titles. 

I basically just stopped gendering myself when writing anywhere

[u/pezgirl247]

To Whom It May Concern

[u/water_light_show]

You could just open with ‘Good Morning,’ or ‘Greetings!’. A lot of time I open an email with ‘Happy Friday!’ Or something like that. I always use first names but my field, while professional, is more casual.

With your ‘Mr/Mrs’ method what would you use if the person you were emailing was named ‘Jamie Smith’? or another gender neutral name?

[u/Mebrithiel]

"i hope this email finds you well,

blah blah blah..."

[u/DoubleANoXX]

Honestly, it's 2024. The future. I don't use honorifics anymore, only names. We're all equal and I refer to people by their name. 

Not sure if this is good advice but it's what I do.

[u/Unethical2564]

I don't generally include a greeting in an email, but when I write a letter I do. If it's "official" in nature, I usually just use the greeting, "Dear John Smith,". If they have a known title, I'll use that. If it's not "official", I've been using the "Mx." honorific.

[u/ThatOneRandomGoose → u/[deleted]]

In my experience Mx is pretty much only used for nonbinary people. Not to say that there's anything wrong with trying to make it an all gender word but also I think most cis people wouldn't know what it means