Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Kelly Haworth:
What do readers think of non-binary pronouns and are they more receptive to this in scifi works where alien cultures may be involved? (I specifically mean in terms of nonbinary folk but nonbinary aliens can play a part too).
As more and more folks come out as transgender and gender fluid, the old binary pronouns “he” and “she” don’t always fit anymore. Some people prefer the genderless “they and them”. Some use “zie/hir”. There’s a great blog post about it here:
https://genderneutralpronoun.wordpress.com
In speculative fiction, we also sometimes need genderless pronouns, or pronouns for non-binary genders – for alien species, for instance, that might have three genders. Or none at all.
So back to Kelly’s question. How do you feel about reading non-binary pronouns in sci fi?
Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks!