They/them < 2026 Update >

It correctly identifies a person as they identify themselves, much like spelling a name correctly.

It helps create a safe environment where everyone feels seen and validated. Grammar and Usage They/Them

Using someone's correct pronouns is a fundamental act of respect. For people who identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, or gender-fluid, "they/them" pronouns are an essential part of their identity. It correctly identifies a person as they identify

It acknowledges the existence of people outside the traditional gender binary. For people who identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, or

The singular "they" is not a new invention. It has been used in English for centuries, appearing in the works of literary giants like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare . For a long time, it was the natural way to refer to someone whose gender was unknown or irrelevant. It was only in the 18th century that grammarians began pushing for "he or she" constructions, which many now find clunky and exclusive. Why It Matters