Neopronouns (also known as “neos”) are a type of pronoun that isn’t he, she, they, or it. Neopronouns are commonly used in the trans community and, more specifically, the non-binary community (though they are used outside of it as well). Some common neopronouns are:
- Ze/Hir/Hirs
- Xe/Xem/Xyr
- En/Ens
- Ey/Em/Eir
- Fae/Faer/Faers
Neopronouns are just as valid as other types of pronouns. They can be hard to learn at first, but they are important and part of someone’s identity. A lot of people ignore neopronouns or dismiss them as people making up new words, but they’ve been around for a very long time, and they’re not going away.
And don’t be afraid to ask people about their neos! As long as you’re asking respectfully, no one is going to be upset with you for asking a genuine question (an example of a respectful way to ask is: “I heard that you use bun/buns pronouns, would you mind explaining how to use those when referring to you?”).
The He/She/They Project 