Non Binary Essay

[Charlize]

I found this to be an interesting article. Many folks haven't or don't choose to pick a gender. If your in that group this is for you and otherwise it is well worth reading as trans* folks can be as bad with pronouns as any cis person.

http://letsqueerthingsup.com/2015/12/06/how-can-we-include-non-binary-people-in-gendered-spaces/

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Clair Dufour]

The use of pronouns in most speech is becoming less used in the workplace and schools. They can often sound sexist when used in the wrong context and get you in trouble. Using the persons name is considered correct. In public where most people don't know your name its harder considering how many people "crossdress" either for work, comfort or style ( hair). More service people now use gender neutral words like honey, dear, folks or nothing as gender identification is not always possible at a glance. Tall women with short hair, men's style clothes and no makeup are far more common than MTF's or even women in skirts. Of course some use pronouns to show their political stance on LGBT or other issues and you can tell it in their voice. They don't last long in most businesses.

[tracy_j]

As very variable I have found pronouns a bit of a nightmare but usually don't worry too much these days. I am generally finding things work out. I get called love more often than not which is genderless to the extent that without other clues it is not clear whether I am being regarded as male or female. Any cis gendered person would be unlikely to react in the same way as a trans individual to being misgendered as they would likely be more anchored to their defined gender and so less likely hurt in a depressing way by occasional misgenders? I do feel we are likely to notice such references in general speech more as we are tuned into them.

I think the point I am getting to is the feeling of who you are and unless maliciously applied just letting things wash over. My experience has been that people either finally get things right or choose a neutral approach without me 'pulling them up' on it. I am happy with male or female pronouns dependant on context although terms like love, honey or dear etc, at least with me, are my preferred.

Tracy