Demi Lovato and they/ them pronouns, a response to Matt Walsh and many more.

After singer Demi Lovato came out as non-binary and announced that they will be changing their pronouns to they/ them the conversation surrounding gender expression and pronouns has resurfaced.

There will always be opposition to the idea of identifying as non-binary and using they/ them pronouns so I’d also like to chuck my small opinion into the frenzy that is internet “discourse".

I became inspired to write on this topic after reading an article written by Matt Walsh published by the Daily Wire, hence his name being in the title. I’m not particularly interested in sharing my opinion on Lovato’s career or Walsh’s sometimes unnecessary comments, I’d rather focus on the real argument as to why many people feel disdain towards they/ them pronouns and what I think that really even amounts to.

In reality, there is only 1 argument that has some merit to it against they/ them. And that is the rebuttal that they/ them are plural pronouns only being used singularly when the person in question is unknown. However, that argument is lackluster and is based off rules in a language that has constantly evolved.

Because even though I have nothing to say to that argument, as it is “correct”. I can only question the validity of the rules of the English language. And point to the progression the language has had because they/ them being used for a singular person is a development in language we are seeing in real time.

The notion that it is “confusing" although valid especially when it comes to English learners is simply not a deal-breaker in this case. Anything and everything that changes in our lives can confuse us if we feel unfamiliar with it, but it will always be those who face that adversity with open arms that prevail in the end.

Even if you deleted everything I just typed or chose to look the other way, your desire to not have people use they/ them or not identify as non-binary will simply never be granted.

As seen by Demi Lovato and so many more who aren’t celebrities, people are using they/ them pronouns and identifying as non-binary whether you like or not.

You can choose to go against that and always push forward your ideals of how you think other people should act, but to what extent will you try to stop the unstoppable?

There is nothing wrong with identifying as non-binary or using they/ them pronouns. There are women who feel masculine and there are men who feel feminine. For the majority, we are comfortable with our gender regardless of our masculine/ feminine behavior. And for some, they would rather identify as non-binary.

Masculinity is a term for certain behaviors and biological influences of testosterone. Femininity is a term for certain behaviors and biological influences of estrogen. Non-binary is a label available for those who have strong behaviors and influences from both.

You should never feel pressured to put yourself in a certain category and no one should hold you to that standard or try to explain your own feelings for you. As long as we try to understand those we oppose, we will always end up with the answer we need but not the one we may want.

Thank you for reading what I had to say, I am always open to hearing differing opinions as I believe that’s the true beauty that language brings to us. Have a great rest of your time.

Brator03@gmail.com