Language is defined in our Glossary as a “human system of communication that uses arbitrary signals, such as a voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.” A language, then, is an important tool for communication and even for determining gender, it also could be used to established gender-equality and to challenge gender perceptions. Gender is often considered to come in two forms — male (masculine) or female (feminine). Such non-binary gender identity or expression has been present over time and across different global cultures (Herdt, 1996). Hines (2007) quotes such further non-binary identities as “gender terrorist, intersex by design, intentional mutation, hermaphrodyke, queer trannie boy” (Hines, 2007, p. 80). All of the above terms are often subsumed within the terms of non-binary or genderqueer identities. In this emerging field terms are likely to change, however, we should attend to people’s own preferred terms. Unconsciously, gender-neutral not just some minor problems anymore that gender-neutral language is important. Some people are disturbed by the fact that they are non-binary, which is diverse in the society. Some case in Australia, many schools decide to have mixed-gender toilet facilities. Because there are some uncomfortable experience from it, a study found that six out of 10 kids were anxious about using the school’s facilities and either never used the toilet or only if they really had to.
Some people takes a lot of time to find out who they are, to reveal who they are. By respecting someone preference through language, it reflects the world they lived. So it can be a tool of undiscriminating or one of unempowerment. Some people feel so much better not to be called as she or he, as a non-binary preferred. They want to be called as them or they to prevent misunderstanding. We can use it to foster sexism, even unintentionally, or we can use it to help make a fairer world.
To break the stereotype. As we know that femininity and masculinity are variable, complex constructs, but they have a huge effect on social roles and relations. We grow up believing that boys should be tough and self-reliant, women supportive and empathetic — and not vice versa. The effects of sexist language are not negligible. Language enables us to order and categories the world. If our language is biased, our ordering and categories will be inaccurate.
To protecting rights. European Union’s Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 2048 6.2.4 recommends that European parliaments “Consider including a third gender option in identity documents for those who seek it” (Council of Europe, 2015). Thus the report includes non-binary people within its purview and consequently within international law. Notably, holders of New Zealand passports may already have their gender marked as Male (M), Female (F), or as neither male nor female (X). There are some case that Canada’s largest province has issued its first non-binary birth certificate, marking the culmination of a successful human rights claim against Ontario. It is important to have someone feel safety to be themselves.
A gender-neutral might be a major problem for some people who are having a difficult times before. To create a more just world, there needs to be awareness of us, who does or does not do so that everyone has the right to feel safe and confident to be who they really are.
References
https://au.educationhq.com/news/53283/the-shift-towards-unisex-school-bathrooms/
Herdt, G. (1996). Third sex third gender. New York: Zone books.
Hines, S. (2007). TransForming Gender: Transgender practices of identity, intimacy and care. Bristol: The Policy
Press.
Richards, Christina et al. “Non-Binary or Genderqueer Genders.” International Review of Psychiatry 28.1 (2016): 1–8. Web.
Sholihatul Hamidah Daulay, (2011), Introduction to General Linguistics, Medan: La-Tansa Press, p. 11–12.
