Conference

Vivekananda College

The theme for the 2019 national conference hosted by Vivekananda College, Delhi University was ‘Heart of Queerness: Language and the LGBTQ.’ Shailee presented her paper titled ‘Critique of the usage of singular, non-binary ‘they’: Exploration of a Heteronormative Linguistic Resistance’ as part of this seminar.

The paper examines the mainstream linguistic resistance to the use of ‘they’ as a singular, non-binary pronoun despite its recognition by Associated Press Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster dictionary and other prominent language manuals. A historical analysis of various arguments from critics who oppose this usage is undertaken with the objective of revealing the underlying gender biases in the English language. The paper argues that opposition to singular ‘they’ is rooted in heteronormative societal structures which resist the inclusion of non-binary grammar and language to suppress expressions of fluid gender identities. This resistance contributes to the marginalization of the LGBTQ+ communities by denying recognition and rights to non-binary individuals.