This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
November 17, 2019
Emily Gardner, a 23-year-old from the United States, has made a conscious decision to be referred to as 'they' rather than 'she'. This preference is part of a growing trend among Americans who identify as non-binary, meaning they do not identify as exclusively male or female.
According to sociologist Carla Pfeffer, gender-neutral pronouns are becoming increasingly popular, not just in big cities but also in smaller towns and communities. This shift is largely driven by the rise of social media, which has enabled people to share their experiences and connect with others who identify as non-binary.
Non-binary individuals are also gaining increased representation in popular culture, with artists like Sam Smith and Pidgeon Pagonis using the pronoun 'they' to describe themselves. Pagonis, a Chicago-based artist, has even launched an apparel brand called 'Too Cute To Be Binary' to promote acceptance and understanding of non-binary identities.
However, not everyone is supportive of this trend. Some critics have denounced the use of gender-neutral pronouns as 'politically correct overkill', while others have expressed frustration at being asked to use specific pronouns. Mallory Cross, a self-described 'very masculine' individual, has spoken out about the importance of respecting people's preferred pronouns, citing instances where she has been misgendered and felt angry as a result.
Despite these challenges, the use of non-binary pronouns is gaining traction in the United States. In New York, a boutique clothing store called The Phluid Project sells clothing and accessories that encourage customers to 'go beyond binaries'. The US financial capital has also introduced a new neutral category for people to amend their gender on their birth certificates since January.
As the trend continues to grow, a number of high-profile politicians have publicly declared their preferred pronouns. Elizabeth Warren, a frontrunner in the 2020 US Democratic primary, has specified that her pronouns are 'she/her/hers', while Pete Buttigieg, a gay candidate, has chosen 'he/him'.
