Gender neutral titles
Data provided by the 2019 Gender Census.[1] |
A gender neutral title is an alternative to the gendered honorifics Miss, Mrs, Ms and Mr for people who don't fit the gender binary and therefore don't feel that a gendered title fits their identity. It is used in formal situations when it is inappropriate to refer to someone by their first or last name only. However, there are quite a lot of people who would prefer to never be referred to with a title. In the 2019 Gender Census, 33% of respondents didn't want to use a title for themselves.[1]
For the most part, gender neutral titles without qualification/career connotations are not recognized by the general public or businesses/organizations. Activists and supporters are working toward awareness and acceptance of alternative titles. The generally accepted gender neutral titles are associated with qualifications and careers, such as Dr (Doctor) and Rev (Reverend).
For some nonbinary people, being referred to with a gendered title can trigger gender dysphoria.
Changing your title[edit | edit source]
United Kingdom[edit | edit source]
A Deed Poll can be used to change your name and your title free of charge, if you can get two witnesses together - however if you are only changing your title, there may be no need for this.
The Deed Poll Service notes that “There's no need to follow any formal procedure (such as executing a Deed Poll) if you only wish to change your title. You simply need to start using your new title and notify all the record holders that you have changed it.” The The UK Deed Poll Bureau and the UK Deed Poll Service also offer the gender-inclusive title Mx.[2] [3]
A Statutory Declaration of title change can be drawn up and presented to a regular solicitor to witness/sign for a cost of approximately £10.00 (this usually includes a couple of legal copies); having the solicitor draw the document up for you may incur a much higher cost (£70.00+). You do not usually need to make an appointment for this service as the process only takes a few minutes.
There is, however, no need to use a paid service to create a Deed Poll. "DIY" versions are just as valid.
A Deed Poll firmly demonstrates your commitment to your chosen gender when you apply to the government's Gender Recognition Panel. However, if you already have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) you do not need a deed poll to switch your name as your GRC is proof for governmental bodies (i.e. passport office). [4]
List of nonbinary/gender neutral titles[edit | edit source]
Here follows an alphabetical list of gender-neutral or specifically nonbinary titles that are alternatives to Mr. and Ms.
De/Dᵉ[edit | edit source]
A proposed neutral title pronounced "done".[5][6]
Div[edit | edit source]
How to use: Div. Sam Smith; Div. Smith.
Pronunciation:
History:
Meaning: Short for "Individual".[7]
Fren[edit | edit source]
How to use: Use like sir or ma'am. (Example: Excuse me, fren, I think you left your notebook on this table.)
Pronunciation: Pronounced fren (IPA: fɹɛn) or friend without the -d ending.
History and meaning: Shortened form of "friend" and used colloquially, both as a phonological variant of "friend" and as a diminutive of the word.
Ind[edit | edit source]
How to use: Ind. Sam Smith; Ind. Smith.
Pronunciation: "ind" (IPA: ˌɪnd) or "individual".
History: The Ind title was coined by Torin "MinimalistFish" Unrealisk in early 2014, a genderless individual who goes by the Ind title. Unrealisk proposed it in a post to a social blogging website, Tumblr.[8]
Meaning: According to the one who coined it, Ind is short for "Individual". This title may be more appropriate for those who do not feel "mixed gender" implied titles meets their gender-neutral standards. Ind was designed to be entirely free of gender, thus making it an attractive option for agender and gender nonconforming individuals. For more information, see the post in which it was coined.[7]
Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Ind was chosen by 3% respondents.[1]