You Might Like
University of Tennessee asks students to use gender-neutral pronouns ze and hir
The University of Tennessee is asking its students to use gender-neutral pronouns to create a more trans-inclusive environment.
Instead of the binary pronouns he and she, students at the Knoxville school are encouraged to refer to each other as they, them,their (used as singular), ze, hir, hirs, and xe, xem, xyr.
Donna Braquet, director of the university’s Pride Center, advised freshman to ask the preferred pronouns as well as names during introductions.
‘With the new semester beginning and an influx of new students on campus, it is important to participate in making our campus welcoming and inclusive for all. One way to do that is to use a student’s chosen name and their correct pronouns,’ she wrote in a blog post.
‘We should not assume someone’s gender by their appearance, nor by what is listed on a roster or in student information systems. Transgender people and people who do not identity within the gender binary may use a different name than their legal name and pronouns of their gender identity, rather than the pronouns of the sex they were assigned at birth.’
In June, the University of California (UC) announced that it would include six gender options on its application forms: male, female, trans male/trans man, trans female/trans woman, gender queer/gender non-conforming and different identity.
‘UC is working hard to ensure our campuses model inclusiveness and understanding,’ said the school’s president, Janet Napolitano.
‘I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far, but it doesn’t stop there – we must continue to look at where we can improve so everyone at UC feels respected and supported.’
The post University of Tennessee asks students to use gender-neutral pronouns ze and hir appeared first on Gay Star News.
Darren Wee
You Might Like
