This week, two important publications set the standard for embracing gender-neutral language in the media.
First, the New York Times used the gender-neutral honorific “Mx.” to refer to an interviewee in a story, a big deal particularly because the Times said as recently as June that it wouldn’t be using Mx. anytime soon. Next, the Washington Post announced that writers can use the singular “they” when needed.
From the Washington Post memo:
It is usually possible, and preferable, to recast sentences as plural to avoid both the sexist and antiquated universal default to male pronouns and the awkward use of he or she, him or her and the like: All students must complete their homework, not Each student must complete his or her homework.
When such a rewrite is impossible or hopelessly awkward, however, what is known as “the singular they” is permissible: Everyone has their own opinion about the traditional grammar rule. The singular they is also useful in references to people who identify as neither male nor female.
Millions of people read these publications every day, and they’re considered leaders in the industry. This is a really big deal.
This is so cool!
The New York Times starts using’Mx.’ and the Washington Post starts using ‘they’
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