Home › Glossary › Letter G

gender-neutral

Concept
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Language or pronouns that do not specify masculine or feminine gender.

Detailed Definition
Poetry avoiding gendered language, using neutral pronouns, or maintaining gender ambiguity to create inclusivity or universality. Contemporary poets increasingly adopt gender-neutral approaches reflecting evolving understanding of identity beyond binary categories. Can use singular "they," avoid pronouns entirely, or structure verses allowing any gender identification. Differs from androgynous poetry by specifically prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility rather than artistic ambiguity. Reflects broader linguistic shift toward gender-neutral language practices and recognition of non-binary identities in contemporary culture and literature.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Anne Carson’s “The Beauty of the Husband,” gender-neutral pronouns explore marital betrayal beyond binary; In Andrea Gibson’s “Swing,” gender-neutral language affirms queer identity: “they/them, my love”; In Alok Vaid-Menon’s poetry, gender-neutral language challenges normative syntax; In Ocean Vuong’s “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” gender-neutral terms describe universal longing; In CAConrad’s “The Book of Frank,” gender-neutral persona disrupts autobiography; In Trish Salah’s “Lyric Sexology,” gender-neutral language reimagines desire.
Additional Notes
Poetry avoiding gendered language or using neutral pronouns. Increasingly important in contemporary inclusive poetry. Can use "they," avoid pronouns entirely, or deliberately maintain ambiguity. Different from androgynous, which may maintain ambiguity for artistic reasons rather than inclusivity. Reflects evolving language practices.
Also Known As
gender-inclusive non-binary ungendered gender-free androgynous Epicene
Skip to main content