Jacob's they/them pronouns FAQ

• What is this? - When people talk about me I really appreciate it if they use 'they/them' instead of 'he/him' (which my facial hair might incline you use!). This is just a page I made to give explanation, if people want it.


• Why though? - I didn't realise this was an option until the last couple of years. When first asked my pronouns at LGBT+ events I was really struck by the fact that I even have a say in these words. I feel so much better about myself, and feel like I am being seen as who I really am when gendered language is taken away.


• So, are you Non-binary then? - Yep, I think so! Binary just describes any system where there are just two options. When I have had to use the binary Man/Woman system, like when I'm filling out a form or someone calls me 'Mister', it has always felt rubbish. When I think of myself, it's not in that system, so calling me Non-binary makes sense. I am sometimes worried it will seem like a "Hey look at me!" thing. It's not. It's just an honest way of talking about who I am.


• How though? - "Jacob really made a fool of themselves today" ... "I'm glad Jacob explained it. I understand them a lot better now" ... "He - I mean, they made a web page which was really helpful"


• What if I get it wrong? - Honestly, I probably won't be there to hear it, and if I do, I'll survive! I've got this far. No need to appologise either. We all just want to be understood, à la this. So if you're are listening, and trying, wow, I appreciate that.


• Can I ask you about it? - Sure, but casually. I partially wrote this because I don't want anyone thinking I need a huge number of allowances made for me or to be unecessarily challenged. It's your choice what you do with this request if you "don't agree with it" or whatever. If you want to just curiously talk to me as a friend about it, I'm fully here for that!


• You can read more about Non-binary stuff on Wikipedia until I find a better link