Today, many people have gender identities and sexual orientations that do not fit neatly into binary categories such as male/female, heterosexual/homosexual, or monogamous/polyamorous. These nonbinary identities challenge traditional ideas about language, particularly when it comes to describing romantic relationships and sexual experiences.
What do you call someone who is both attracted to men and women but prefers not to label themselves as either gay or straight? How do you describe the relationship between two people who are dating each other but also involved with others simultaneously? In this article, we will explore the linguistic innovations needed to better describe lives that defy grammatical binaries.
Let's consider the term "bisexual." This word describes someone who is attracted to both men and women, but it does not capture the full range of attraction one might feel for multiple genders. Someone may be bisexual but more interested in people who identify as transgender or nonbinary than cisgender men or women. Therefore, some suggest using the terms pansexual or omnisexual instead.
These terms are relatively new, and their meanings are still being debated within LGBTQ+ communities. It would be helpful if researchers could create a comprehensive list of terms to capture all types of gender identities and sexual preferences.
We must address the issue of pronouns. Many people now use they/them/their pronouns to refer to individuals whose gender identity falls outside of the binary of he/him/his and she/her/hers. But what about situations where an individual wants to specify which person they are referring to, such as "Can you pass me my plate?" What should we say in this situation? Some have proposed creating new pronouns like ve/ver/vis, or incorporating gender-neutral language into existing phrases ("Pass me the food on your left"). Still, there are many challenges to implementing these solutions universally.
We must acknowledge that romantic relationships can be complex and multifaceted.
One partner may identify as polyamorous while another prefers monogamy. How do we describe this relationship without resorting to binary labels? One suggestion is to use qualifiers like "nonmonogamous" or "open," but these terms still imply exclusivity between two parties. Perhaps we need to redefine our understanding of relationships altogether by embracing more fluid models such as "polyfidelity" or "triads."
It's clear that language has lagged behind societal shifts regarding gender and sexuality. We must work towards creating innovative linguistic tools to better describe diverse identities and experiences.
This process will take time and collaboration from various stakeholders, including researchers, activists, and members of affected communities. We hope this article has provided a starting point for that conversation.
What linguistic innovations are needed to describe lives that defy grammatical binaries?
To begin with, there is an ongoing debate over whether gender-neutral language should be used in formal settings such as academic writing. Some people argue that using gendered pronouns reinforces sexism while others believe it is a way of acknowledging diversity in society. Regardless of one's position, it is important to consider how language can perpetuate stereotypes about masculinity and femininity.