This article is about pangender, a non- binary gender meaning “all genders”. [1]
Pangender is a recently acknowledged non- binary gender which is defined as including all genders and not being exclusively male or female.[2] Pangender is also referred to as “third gender or bigender”.[3] Gender is one’s internal feelings and external appearance and behavior.[4] The prefix pan is Greek and means, “including all”.[5] Pangender individuals may identify with gender inclusive or gender neutral pronouns (zie/zim) instead of (she/he, her/him). Being pangender is a part of one’s identity. It is not a mental illness.[6] Calling one by the wrong pronouns can make one feel invisible[7] or invalidated.[8] Anyone can show support for non- binary genders.
Gender inclusive/ neutral pronouns
Pronouns (he, she, zie) are used in place of one’s name. Gender inclusive or neutral pronouns exclude the gender of the individual being discussed.[9] Correctly using pronouns shows tolerance and respect for someone’s gender identity.[10] Incorrectly using pronouns is a sign of disrespect.[11] “It” and “he/she” are commonly used offensive slurs.[12] Individuals all prefer different pronouns; do not assume.[13] To avoid being offensive, ask everyone their preferred pronouns or use their name. Gender inclusive or neutral pronouns include: “one”, “they”, and “ze”.[14]
Contemporary issues/ discrimination
The current issue for individuals of non-binary genders is which bathroom to use in public. The one matching society’s expectations (appearing/ dressing masculine must use male restroom; appearing/ dressing feminine use female restroom) or the one matching their internal feelings. [15]
[1] Dictionary. “Pangender.” 2016. 16 Nov 2016.
[2] Dictionary. “Pangender.” 2016. 16 Nov 2016.
[3] Richards, C. “Third Genders.” The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies. 1–4. 216. 21 April 2016.16 Nov 2016.
[4] Dr. Story, Amy E., “An Introduction to Sex, Gender, Sexual Orientation, and How These Categories Shape Our Lives.” Feb 2012.3 Dec 2016.
[5] Dictionary. “Pangender.” 2016. 16 Nov 2016.
[6] Richards, C. “Third Genders.” The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies. 1–4. 216. 21 April 2016. 16 Nov 2016.
[7] Metzler, Candice, CSW, MSW, “Working with LGBTQQI Youth: Expanding our Understanding of Gender and Sex Variance.” 2015. 16 Nov 2016.
[8] University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, “Gender Pronouns.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center. 2016. 7 Dec 2016.
[9] University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, “Gender Pronouns.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center. 2016. 7 Dec 2016.
[10] University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, “Gender Pronouns.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center. 2016. 7 Dec 2016.
[11] University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, “Gender Pronouns.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center. 2016. 7 Dec 2016.
[12] University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, “Gender Pronouns.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center. 2016. 7 Dec 2016.
[13] Metzler, Candice, CSW, MSW, “Working with LGBTQQI Youth: Expanding our Understanding of Gender and Sex Variance.” 2015. 16 Nov 2016.
[14] University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, “Gender Pronouns.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center. 2016. 7 Dec 2016.
[15] Herriott, Todd K. and Halcro, Casey M., "Safe Zone: 101 Training Manual" (2014). Office of Diversity and Equity. Paper 1. 16 Nov 16.
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