The Gender Neutral Pronoun "Co"

[Guest Juniper Blue]

Hi All,

I don't know about you but I get very confused with gender neutral pronouns ... I just mess them up routinely. So embarrassing!

I had a roommate once who used the term "co" and this was actually relatively easy for me to adjust to (until co switched to "She", at least.)

So, the pronoun was used like this:

Co went to the market to get some beer but came back to retrieve co's wallet. Me and co danced at our house with all of our friends that evening and co was the life of the party. Unfortunately, co fell off the table because the lamp shade had blocked co's vision ... but it was okay because co just hit the floor softly and just began break dancing with all of co's homies.

What do you all think of this one?? Do you see any problems with it's use for androgynous people who would like to use gender neutral pronoun's? Has anyone else seen this pronoun in use? I am not sure if my old roommate made it up ( cos-selves/themselves) or not.

I switch from male (on-line) to female pronouns (off-line) but this seems to confuse some people, especially those who know me in both settings. I am wondering what people would think of me using the pronoun "co" instead of "he" on-line? I like using the male pronouns on-line because I often feel more masculine on-line but I am open to exploring other pronouns. Mostly, I like to keep it simple for people. Female pronouns kind of annoy me on-line though.

Have a Great Day!

JB

[Guest Micha]

First I've heard of it. It could work though, as well as anything else tha's been suggested.

I don't care for using "ze" or "zir/hir," so it's better than those IMO. Mi amore's nickname is Z, so "ze" would be confusing for me, and "zir/hir" just sounds super akward to me.

"E/em/eirs/emself" are what I prefer. They come more naturally to me, and are much less akward.

Co for she/he, co's for hers/his, coself for herself/himself. . . is there need for a her/him equivellent? Or would co alone cover it?

Gotta admit, still feels a little akward using it, but that goes for anything new and unestablished.

Pronouns aren't really as important to me as other things, as in I like the neutrallity, but I'm not gonna be sad or angry or upset if someone calls me a he. I know it matters to others, I don't mean to trivialize it at all, and it is a matter of being polite - so I support and appreciate efforts to establish a gender neutral pronoun set.

[Guest John Chiv]

JB,

What would you prefer? That is what matters to me. Whatever you decide, I will address you with your preference. Why? Because you deserve that respect.

John

[Guest Juniper Blue]

Thank you John and Micha ... for now, I am going to stick with male pronouns on-line.

Micha .. yes I think "co" works for "him" or "her" as in I wanted to talk to co about this.

Let me try the other set for Micha .... it was great talking to em. E is very good at expressing emself.

Eirs ... how would I use that one??

THANKS,

JB

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

JB,

What would you prefer? That is what matters to me. Whatever you decide, I will address you with your preference. Why? Because you deserve that respect.

John

Does that John know his androgynes, or what? Killer advice, bro. Yoo Da Mayun, Homie!

Peace & Pills Luncie Link

Postscript?

Uuuhhh, Luncie Link? Androgoid? Dunno? Sounds REALLY weird to me, but consider the source!

[Guest Micha]

Thought I'd share a neat chart thingum that was shared with me.

[Carolyn Marie]

That's helpful, Micha. Thank you! I have to admit, i think I've only met one person who preferred the use of a gender neutral pronoun. I find it very awkward, but perhaps with more frequent use, it will become more natural.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Chrysee]

Hi All,

I don't know about you but I get very confused with gender neutral pronouns ... I just mess them up routinely. So embarrassing!

I had a roommate once who used the term "co" and this was actually relatively easy for me to adjust to (until co switched to "She", at least.)

So, the pronoun was used like this:

Co went to the market to get some beer but came back to retrieve co's wallet. Me and co danced at our house with all of our friends that evening and co was the life of the party. Unfortunately, co fell off the table because the lamp shade had blocked co's vision ... but it was okay because co just hit the floor softly and just began break dancing with all of co's homies.

What do you all think of this one?? Do you see any problems with it's use for androgynous people who would like to use gender neutral pronoun's? Has anyone else seen this pronoun in use? I am not sure if my old roommate made it up ( cos-selves/themselves) or not.

I switch from male (on-line) to female pronouns (off-line) but this seems to confuse some people, especially those who know me in both settings. I am wondering what people would think of me using the pronoun "co" instead of "he" on-line? I like using the male pronouns on-line because I often feel more masculine on-line but I am open to exploring other pronouns. Mostly, I like to keep it simple for people. Female pronouns kind of annoy me on-line though.

Have a Great Day!

JB

Now if you come to rely on that does it then make you 'co dependent?'

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Cute, Chrysee!

Thanks for the chuckle! Needed it!

I have to admit, I find the gender neutral pronouns a bit confusing!

I need much more practice!

By the way, a shout out to the originator of this thread, Juniper Blue! (Missing you.)

Brad

[Guest Chrysee]

Yeah, I miss Juniper. Of course I Juniper's email and never write.

Brad, here's another thought:

If I should gain weight over the holidays, is that what they call 'trans fat?'

I should be arrested!

Cissy

[Guest endthesilence]

I wish there were neutral pronouns that made scene in the current English language. As a person who lives both genders that are fluid on a daily bases I wish I could find one that grammatically made scene. It makes me feel really awkward asking people to change their fundamental understanding of language to suit me... but that's just me. I like "co" and "ze" but currently what ever comes out of anyone mouth is at least partially accurate.