Facebook: In Need of Gender-Neutral Pronoun

No, which is why I added a "maybe", but I was more thinking that they weren't inherently offensive. Sure, some people will find them offensive. But it's not the same level as "it".

 

I'm signing this! I think FB should ask you in your settings whether you would rather be referred to by male, female, or gender-neutral pronouns. I'm cisgendered and have no problem being called "she/her" but I know that would be really offensive to people who identify differently. Facebook should accommodate this need.

 

This is what currently happens if you leave the gender box blank.

---------- Post added 20th Sep 2012 at 02:52 PM ----------

"They" is still considered incorrect for standard English if it refers to a single person. "They" is only correct for plural.

 

Bit of a shame that the singular is "it"...
I always use "they" anyway.

 

As someone with excellent writing skills, simultaneously I understand that language evolves naturally to suit the needs of its people. "They" is entirely acceptable, in my opinion, as a singular neuter pronoun for individuals ("it" almost always being used in the context of objects).

It's also considerably less awkward: calling yourself "ze" makes you sound like you drive a Volkswagen bus, dress in tie dye and peace medallions, and engage in continual campaigns to save the whales.

 

I am told that singular they is technically correct, but I still hate the sound of it. I think we really do need to get some real gender-neutral pronouns going.

 

Found a way to 'hack' the gender coding; tutorial is here if you want the 'they' pronoun
http://emptyclosets.com/forum/lgbt-...onouns-facebook-timeline-finally-works-d.html