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Gary Weichselbaum's avatar

Thanks Rey!! You hit the mark for me. I am an ally but sometimes it is not easy to call up gender neutral pronouns and vocabulary. So I might stumble and feel bad that I have used the wrong word even if nobody was affected by it. Your solution is very sensitive and I appreciate it a lot. I will try to execute as I do with they and them which now comes more naturally than it used to. With respect, Gary

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H Katz's avatar

Rey, I like your idea of practicing they/them pronouns with pets. Many of my neighbors have dogs. Upon being introduced, I used to ask if the dog was a "he" or a "she." After 60+ years of inquiring, I decided neighbors' pets' genders are not important to me. Now I simply say 'hi' and ask the owner, "how are 'they' doing?" Trying to remember animal genders is no longer an issue, and the owners (and dogs) don't seem to mind. As a bonus, as you suggested, saying "they/them" re people that prefer that has become easier and more natural.

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