Since I have started moderating communities and trying to foster discussions, I have tried to get in the habit of sticking to gender neutral language when referring to internet strangers unless I know better. Even though I am willing to bet the vast majority of users in my communities are male, I don’t want to assume and make anybody uncomfortable. So, now I know!
Just as a side note, I personally know somebody that has transitioned and changed their pronouns, and I still mess it up all the time in conversation. So, when I am posting in text form rather than spoken language, with the opportunity to proofread, I always try to double check what I write with things like that in mind.
Since I have started moderating communities and trying to foster discussions, I have tried to get in the habit of sticking to gender neutral language when referring to internet strangers unless I know better. Even though I am willing to bet the vast majority of users in my communities are male, I don’t want to assume and make anybody uncomfortable. So, now I know!
Just as a side note, I personally know somebody that has transitioned and changed their pronouns, and I still mess it up all the time in conversation. So, when I am posting in text form rather than spoken language, with the opportunity to proofread, I always try to double check what I write with things like that in mind.
I’m not made uncomfortable regardless of how I’m referred to. I make the same effort you do.
I kind of feel ahead of the curve on that, being Finnish :D
The language doesn’t have gendered pronouns at all. Though there are an awful lot of words like postimies (postman).