The English language has been introducing gender inclusiveness with personal-gender pronouns and gender-neutral pronouns for the past couple years, but there are not many people who understand the proper way to use them.
Robby Byrd, a University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, said the Associated Press’ style guide’s recognition of the non-binary pronouns, which was included in the 2017 edition of the reference, is overdue. He also said journalists should not assume the gender, and the media could have a big influence on the use of pronouns.
“Journalism has traditionally been behind in adopting non-heteronormative identifiers,” Bryd, who researches gender and LGBTQ media history said. “It wasn’t until the 1990s that The New York Times stopped using the word ‘homosexual’ to refer to people who identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual.”
Byrd said the journalism curriculum needs to address how to use gendered pronouns.
“Journalists should not assume gender based on presentation,” Byrd said. “Using non-binary pronouns should be the default, not the exception.”
The news media could have a large influence on how often people use non-binary pronouns, Byrd said.
“In general, we as journalists, should avoid a binary culture that assumes everyone fits in a male or female or masculine or feminine box,” Byrd said.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s LGBT Resource Center defines gendered pronouns as “the pronoun that a person uses for themself.”
Some of the common pronouns are she/her/hers and he/him/his, which some refer to as feminine and masculine pronouns. Gender-neutral pronouns come from people who wish to avoid labels of their gender. They/them/theirs, ze/hir/hir and just using the person’s name are common gender-neutral options in use today. “It” and “he-she” are offensive slurs used against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, according to UWM.
UWM suggests a simple “what pronouns do you use?” or “can you remind me what pronouns you use?” as the best way to ask an individual about the pronoun they use. The center also suggests asking which pronouns an individual uses and correctly using those pronouns as basic ways to respect a person’s gender identity.
Some people — like members of Stonewall Tigers, the U of M’s gay-straight alliance — appreciate the recognition of gender-neutral pronouns. Rochelle London, a 19-year-old engineering major and member of Stonewall Tigers, uses with she/her pronouns. She said the pronouns let people identify with the gender with which they are feeling at the moment.
“I think a lot of people don’t understand that gender is a social construct and that it’s fluid, just as sexuality can be sometimes,” London said. “For some people, it’s like, ‘Oh, I feel more feminine today,’ and the next day they can be like not so much. I think that’s (recognition is) great. I think we are definitely moving a step forward.”
Izz Brunsting Frazer, a 20-year-old undeclared major, identifies with they/them or ze/zir pronouns. They said it is validating to have their pronouns recognized, being in the dictionary and included in the AP stylebook after not having been included for so long.
“Given that it hasn’t happened and then having it happen feels really nice,” Frazer said.
