Gender-Neutral Language and Pronouns

Gender-neutral language and pronouns were highly discussed this week. Several articles addressed the importance of respecting gender-neutral pronouns. The New York Times wrote a piece on neopronouns and how gender-neutral pronouns are extensive and have existed for centuries. Additionally, Forbes released an article on the importance of holding space for all gender identities and expressions in the workplace. 

The Belgian Civil Code will be changing the law principle “good house father” or “family man” to “prudent and reasonable person” in order to be more gender neutral. Multiple articles discussed the Royal Australian Air Force’s recent changes to be more gender neutral by changing the term “airmen” to “aviators”. One article discussed the need for updating Massachusetts’ state constitution to be more gender neutral instead of using “he” to refer to everyone. One of these changes would also include changing the “Board of Selectmen” to the gender neutral “Select Board”. Another article discussed that the cost to make the gender-neutral changes is minimal. Meanwhile, the Bournemouth Council in the United Kingdom voted against using gender-neutral language.