The Controversy over Gender Pronouns
Why Everyone is Disagreeing
Different Identities- Genders have multiplied in recent years; from two to twenty. All of which have their own pronouns and ways of identifying. “It gets confusing keeping up, but I do my best to respect everyone’s identifying pronouns,” sophomore Olivia Kunaschk said.
May 3, 2019
In recent years a newfound conversation has been started by the LGBTQ+ community. The issue of gender pronouns has become evident through many communities and showcased on mainstream media. With the transgender, genderfluid, gender neutral, and overall non-binary community gender pronouns have become a much more sensitive topic. More and more people identify with different pronouns or pronouns that are different than their birth gender. +
This being new territory, the opinions surrounding the topic differ completely. Many agree with, support and respect individuals changing their pronouns to better suit their identities and who they really are. At the same time, many believe that it is unnatural, wrong, and not biologically feasible.
As a supporter of this new conversation, senior Emily Greiser commented on the situation.
“Supporting people owning who they really are shouldn’t be discouraged. Just because it’s different from what society is traditionally used to does not mean it’s wrong” Gresier said.
“Nobody should be concerned with what other people are choosing to identify by. It doesn’t affect them, so don’t worry about it.” Gresier said.
Contrary to Greiser, many people disagree, saying they won’t call people what they want to be called unless it is their birth given pronoun.
Junior Tanner Carr explained his point of view, though he associates with the conversation little because of his lack of personal connection. “I can see how it interferes with the beliefs of ‘we were born the way we were meant to be.” Carr said.
Also when prompted to explain if it was offensive to misgender people, he responded.
“No, it’s disrespectful to also say people have to call you this or that, if people don’t agree with your lifestyle don’t make them submit to it.” Carr said.
Society as a whole has taken steps towards a more gender inclusive environment, but individual opinions still differ tremendously. With this forever growing community the conversation surrounding gender pronouns is far from over.
