Gender-neutral pronouns
Updated:Gender-neutral pronouns are words used to refer to people without specifying their gender. These pronouns are often used by individuals who identify outside the gender binary or prefer not to be addressed with gendered language. Common gender-neutral pronouns include "they/them/theirs," "ze/zir/zirs," and "xe/xem/xyr," among others.
Additional Information
The use of gender-neutral pronouns has gained prominence in recent years as society becomes more aware and accepting of diverse gender identities. These pronouns provide a way for non-binary, genderqueer, and other gender non-conforming individuals to express their identity through language. It's important to note that pronoun usage is a personal choice, and it's respectful to ask for and use a person's preferred pronouns.
Some languages naturally include gender-neutral pronouns, while others, like English, have adapted existing words or created new ones to fill this linguistic need. The singular "they" has a long history in English and has become increasingly accepted as a gender-neutral singular pronoun.
Examples
1. "Alex uses they/them pronouns. They are coming to the party tonight."
2. "I met someone new today, but I didn't catch their name."
3. "Ze is an excellent writer; I've read all of zir books."