Jo Schneiderman

The problem with ‘they’ is not about the grammar

As a lesbian in the 1980s, one had to refer to a life partner with the pronoun ‘they’ to keep a job. Today, the pronoun is not an innovation. It remains the language of oppression.

More and more people are using the third person plural - they/them - as their personal pronoun.

I understand why people would want to do this. Many of those who call themselves “they” are simply expressing that they do not want to be characterized by the rigid gender norms associated with either gendered personal pronoun. Others are re-defining their own gender identity by identifying as nonbinary or trans.

I get it. But I don't like it.

I first thought my difficulty with “they” as a personal pronoun was simply grammatical. It's awkward, especially for those of us who had grammar rules drilled into us as children.

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Making Christmas bright for kids with HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C

Twin States Network thanks local businesses and individuals who made it possible for us to distribute Christmas gifts to 53 children in Vermont and New Hampshire who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C. We specifically wish to thank Michelle Clark and the staff of the...

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