We rarely worry about what we should be referred to because it’s simple, clear cut, and in many ways predictable.īut for non-binary, transgender and queer individuals, the approach is more complex. Our singular and visible gender identity has never been a problem. Image: Instagram Why should we care?įor most people, our pronouns probably go hand-in-hand with our gender.

Some of the biggest social media platforms have introduced the option to display one’s pronouns.

Since then, I’ve encountered many more similar videos-and for allyship, pronouns are as good a place as any to start. That said, to a select few, pronouns form an intrinsic part of their identity, holding significance as an identifier of self. Much like names, pronouns are just words we use to refer to other people. The honest answer is that it probably doesn’t affect me that much. How does one go about it? What if you get it wrong?īut it seems that the most pressing question that popped up in my mind was, ‘ How does this affect me?’. For one, I didn’t exactly have any close friends or loved ones who went by gender-neutral pronouns, and I felt clueless. And as much as I hate to admit it, so was my scepticism. That was the first time I had encountered the use of unique, gender-neutral pronouns.Įven in my half-asleep state, my curiosity was sparked. Months back, in the wee hours of the night, I stumbled across a TikTok of an individual introducing themself by the pronouns “ze/zim”.

What are neo pronouns