3.5★
“He/She went to the store. = They went to the store.
It belongs to him/her. = It belongs to them.
He said so himself. = They said so themself/themselves.
She said so herself. = They said so themself/themselves.”

This handy little graphic production can help us with language. At the moment it's a 5-star idea whose time has certainly come, but it's maybe a 3-star execution, so I'm splitting the difference.

Genderqueer, genderfluid, non-binary, whatever label is used it means that an individual does not identify as male or female, no matter what they might have been born as. See there, what I did? I did what we often do as shorthand when we don’t want to keep saying “he or she”. . . avoiding saying: no matter what he or she might have been born as.

It’s actually accepted practice in speech and becoming accepted in less than formal writing to use “they” as a singular, and it goes back to at least the 15th century and Shakespeare, in case you were wondering. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/gra...

Okay, that part is pretty easy. It gets harder when you’re referring to a specific person who either chooses to be identified using gender-neutral pronouns (and they may let you know that when they are introduced – or not), or it’s a person whose gender you can’t identify by the usual visual clues.

The book says if a person named Robert asks to be addressed as Bob, you probably do as you’re asked. The book suggests people will begin letting each other know when they prefer “they” or whatever.

As I’m writing this, there’s a medical program on TV, and a person with a crewcut, dressed in navy scrubs, is speaking to the camera. I have the sound off, and when I glanced up, I wondered if the person was male or female. I couldn’t tell. When the captions came up, the person was identified as “Jen”, so I assume they’re female, but had the name been Sam or Kim or any number of foreign names that are unfamiliar to me, I couldn’t assume anything.

So I might ask someone watching with me “Do you think they’re a man or a woman?” I might say “that person talking”, but I certainly wouldn’t say “it”.

This little handbook has rough cartoons and tries hard to be light-hearted and funny about what is a pretty serious subject. Being “mis-gendered” is embarrassing, just as it’s embarrassing if you ask a woman with a pot-belly when the baby’s due. It happens! We assume a lot from appearances!

People used to make fun of people who shaved their heads, but these days it could be anything from a fashion statement to the results of cancer treatment, and most of us are pretty careful not to assume anything.

When I was about 12, I was on horseback high above the guys driving by me on the track who stopped to look up and ask directions. I had a duck-tail (or a DA, so-called in those days) and was in jeans and cowboy boots, so after I answered their question, one of them said “Thank you, sir or madam, as the case may be.”

I said “It happens to be madam” and laughed, fancying myself a bit of a “cowboy” anyway. I thought it was funny, but if I’d been a boy, I probably would have been devastated!

That’s a personal case of being mis-gendered. (These days, in Australia, they would just have said “Thanks, mate” and left it at that, since that’s handy for anyone.

There are other made-up words that are accepted use instead of they/their, such as Ze, Ne, Xe, and there’s plenty of information on the internet you can google. Here’s one blog. https://genderneutralpronoun.wordpres...

You may not know if there are people in your workplace, school, or community who would prefer gender-neutral pronouns, but this is happening, whether or not you’re ready for it. It’s not the same as the royal “we” or “one”, although that could occasionally be useful.

It’s easy when addressing groups to say “folks” or “people” or “delegates” instead of “ladies and gentleman". And use “students” or “kids” instead of “boys and girls”. If you’re identifying someone in a crowd, you can say “the person in the blue shirt” instead of “the woman in the blue shirt”.

See? But it gets awkward (to me) when you use the example they gave:

”Archie spent all their money on candy. “Archie is eating so much candy that they are sick. Archie has learned nothing and they will continue to eat too much candy. What’s wrong with them?”

In the first sentence, I might think Archie has spent more than just Archie’s money. It’s a bit ambiguous.

I think I could learn to adapt if I were really unsure as to the gender of the person, like the one I just saw on TV. In that case, I’m pretty sure I’d say “That looks like a really easy hairstyle. I bet they don't have to spend any time getting ready for work."

But if I were convinced they were a male or a female, I’m sure I’d slip and lapse into “he” or “she”.

Food for thought. There are a few inaccuracies in the book at the moment, but I’m hoping they will be corrected. Thanks to NetGalley and Limerence Press for the preview copy.

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns is exactly what it sounds like, a super short and informative comic explaining they/them pronouns, how to use them, what to do when you make mistakes, asking for people’s pronouns and why it matters from the perspective of a nonbinary person and a cisgender man. I personally loved it, I think the comic was quick to read, easy to understand, and fun without glossing over important topics such as how trans people feel when they’re misgendered. I can’t wait until it’s out and I can push it into the hands of all my friends, nonbinary or not.

I received a copy of the book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review

In a world so full of really shitty things, misgendering someone is something we really don't need to add to that pot of mess. This book is so informative, and explains everything in a way that, I feel, even the most clueless of people may find easy to understand - I also liked the light-heartedness of this. I really believe in educating people instead of attacking them, and this book is so up my alley, pumped with information that everyone needs to know. I prefer she/her, but I also needed to understand how to accurately inquire about how someone else identifies. I'm shy, and this took me hours of Google searches so that I won't offend anyone one day. This book is beautiful. Now there's no need to spend hours researching something that is explained so smartly and simply in this book! Well done. We need more of this in the world.

What a great book, which everyone should be encouraged to read - all ages and genders.

Decent book on the topic, but the grapic novel/comic strip format, which is supposed to make it easier to grasp, instead doesn't work so well with all the jokes and extraneous dialogue.

We live in a wonderfully diverse world, and as we grow to accept and embrace each other's differences, we also need to develop new ways of communicating with each other. Using the right pronoun for a person may seem an insignificant thing, but can be a small but vital part in conveying that a non-binary person is worthy of respect and understanding. Words matter. Words are powerful things, as all of us readers know. This lighthearted but heartfelt comic guide by friends Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson is, as the title points out, a quick and easy guide to these pronouns. It's a perfect gift for family or friends or coworkers who may be new to the use of these pronouns and really want to know how. As for the question of "Why?" the book also gives them, and all of us, that answer: "You should learn how to use the pronouns people request because you like them, love them, or work with them, and we all gotta share space on this terrible, dying planet."

A QUICK & EASY GUIDE TO THEY/THEM PRONOUNS is exactly what the title says. I picked up the book because I struggle with detaching from what I was taught growing up and was looking for a guide not only for my self but that would also allow me to be a better ally for nonbinary friends and loved ones.

The book is simple enough to share with preteens, yet would also not seemed childish to adults of all ages. Archie and Tristan truly accomplished what they set out to do.

Downloaded through Netgalley to read for an honest review.

I was excited to see a quick guide to pronouns on Netgalley. I'm weird. This is a very soft and easy to swallow guide for those who are adjusting to the "new world of pronouns" or aren't fully on board with using different pronouns than what they're used to.

This is set up to be informative, with a few what I'd consider "dad jokes" peppered in to keep it from getting too serious. It's set up to be very casual conservation on a serious matter and I like how it is presented.

My favorite is page sixteen YOLO "Your Original Language Operates within an ever-changing Nexus of communication" or, Language is always changing. That's why we don't say forsooth anymore and why we call dogs doggos. This is something outside of the community that I tend to calmly rage about (That's not a real word!!!! English isn't dead dumbass!!!..anyway).

Great reminder of why it's important to not misgender on purpose. It goes into casual settings and what to do in the workplace. I really kinda wished they would have slightly noted that not every workplace protects this. You can still get fired for being part of the LGBT+ community where I live. Unless they're wanting the fear of being fired or this is addressing specifically where the authors possibly live. I'm not sure. But not everyone has a safety net in the LGBT+ community.

Recommendation: Yes. Even for those who are a bit more familiar with pronoun uses and their importance.

I absolutely love that this is a comic! It's a comic that is made to educate and inform people on gender neutral pronouns, specifically they/them. The format is conversational with a few nice diagrams. This comic covers so many great topics including pronouns in general, misgendering, and gender neutral pronouns. It's told in a fun, and sometimes sarcastic way. The emphasis is on building empathy.



"Nothing is as cool as being an empathetic and respectful person."



I give this educational comic a 5/5. I HIGHLY recommend this. This comic would be a great gift for friends, family, AND co-workers.

Thank you NetGalley for the free e-book!

This is basically what the title says. Very educational but in a simple way so that everyone understands the concept of gender-neutral pronouns. If you are not familiar with the concept, I definitely recommend you to start with this short guide as an introduction and then continue deepening your knowledge on the topic if you wish to!

Changing our binary-gendered language is difficult, but with a little practice you'll get there. I actually envy the English language in this aspect because even if it's a whole process, it is much easier than adopting gender-neutral language in Spanish, which I'm still learning to use. I know it may seem dumb at first sight, but I believe it's necessary and eventually it will become the norm.

After all, it's about creating a welcoming environment in everyday life for non-binary pals and not about you, cisgender person who won't accept a different perspective besides your own. Be a little more empathetic. It'll be appreciated.

This was a good, basic starter How-To guide on gender neutral pronouns. It does, as it says in the title, though, focus primarily on They/Them pronouns. I liked how they said there were much more in depth resources regarding this, and clearly stating that was not the ballpark they were aiming for in this guide.

There are two narrators in this graphic novel, one of them cis (he/him) and the other non-binary (they/them). I also thought the two of them came at this with different focuses, which made this read come across as a little disjointed at times. Archie's point was not being misgendered, informing people generally on gender. Tristan's point was far more specifically about the workplace and being an ally. Maybe that'll work better together on a second read.

It's very light and fluffy artwork that approaches some (to me) common sense approaches and seeks to show that non-binary people and gender neutral pronouns are more common than some people may think, as well as offering handy style sheets throughout and at the end for how to be a good ally.

It is particularly marketed towards people to whom all of this stuff may be new, and people wanting a booklet to offer to potential allies instead of having to talk through it themselves.

<i> We should always strive to be better people. Practicing gender neutral pronouns is both an excercise in language and a chance to grow as a more empathetic and respectful communicator.</i>

I thought this was a brilliantly thought out and well written short comic that explained some very real issues in a brilliant way; not as an irritating lecture on what you <b>should be doing</b> but as an informative and relatable comic. It spoke of real issues in such a way to make it easier to relate to the characters in the comic (and thus real people who deal with the issues presented) and to the issues at hand.

After all, if you’re “female” you probably don’t want to be referred to as a “male” every moment, so why should someone that doesn’t fit into the gender binary have to deal with those issues by being labelled as something they’re not? Just because you don’t understand an issue, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist… and using ignorance as an excuse only works for so long, especially when people are actively trying to educate you and you’re simply ignoring it.

I loved how this comic explained the issues, and having finished reading, I feel better equipped for if the situation comes up in “real life” – plus, it would make a pretty neat reference book. I love how it has “scripts” for situations when you’re unsure of what to say or how to say it, and has so many different examples throughout the book of real-life situations where this knowledge is necessary.

I'll be buying a few copies for staff and students at work.

This comic sets out to do exactly what it intends to.

“This book exists to educate and inform people on gender neutral pronouns — specifically they/them — so that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting by yourself. We want to keep this book short and affordable, so you can give it to friends, family, co-workers, or random people on the street. Also, if education fails and folks are being jerks, you can just throw this book in their face. It’s the future and we don’t have time for that nonsense.”

Ha. That’s awesome

It’s just well-written, and simple, and clear. Usually I give 5 stars to something that completely blows me away or impacted me emotionally. This really didn’t do that, but I gave it 5 stars because it’s an excellent resource that does exactly what it intends to - and does it succinctly, and does it well.

“Even if you don’t get it…you should learn how to use pronouns people request because you like them, love them, or work with them, and we all gotta share space on this terrible, dying planet.”

Exactly. It’s just about not being a dick. What’s wrong with that?

Unfortunately, too many people are lazy and want to be spoon-fed everything and don’t want to have to think. And those people are the ones calling everyone else lazy and entitled. Sheesh.

I love the hat of ignorance. “Oh look, with this hat, I can just move freely through the world assuming everyone’s gender. I can also tip ten percent. I think <i>Friends</i> is a good show. Diet Coke is healthy!”

That cracked me up.

It’s funny, even when I didn’t understand that people identified as non-binary, I used gender neutral pronouns. I think the singular <i>they</i> just makes sense when you don’t know someone’s gender. Using “he” universally is insulting, and “he/she” is annoying and clunky. That’s not because I’m especially woke or anything - definitely not - I was conservative for a long time. My only point being that gender neutral pronouns aren’t necessarily a stretch for people who understand grammar and communication.

<i>Thanks to NetGalley, Oni Press, and Limerence Press for a copy in return for an honest review.</i>

This is a quick little book that is pretty much what it says on the tin. For those of you who have never heard of they/them pronouns, this is a quick and easy way to learn about it. For those of you who know about the use of these pronouns, and have used them the right way, you are free to skip this lesson. But for those of you know who not only don't know, but don't know why they should know, this is a great book to start with.

The book is co-written by a Cis man, and a transgender gender fluid person. Between the two of them, they explain why it is important to use the proper pronouns around people who request that. There are plenty of examples of how to ask and how to find out what pronoun to use, and the wrong way to ask.

And while you may think this would never apply to you, you might be surprised. I currently know two transgender, gender fluid individuals, and I have to constantly make sure I am using their pronouns of choice. Once you get used to it, it gets easier.

Below is an example of the style of the cartoons, as well as the writing.


<img class="alignnone wp-image-319 size-full" src="http://www.reyes-sinclair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Screen-Shot-2018-03-23-at-3.12.09-PM.png" alt="They them genders" />

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

This comic guide with a goofy, gently sarcastic sense of humor is all about gender neutral pronouns - how being misgendered feels, why pronouns matter, grammar, and examples of how to use these pronouns in real life.

I was so glad the authors encouraged people to try to make their everyday language more inclusive by dropping words like ma'am, sir, guys, ladies, etc. and defaulting to "person" instead of assuming "man" or "woman" when speaking about someone you don't know.

I wish the authors had addressed grammar pedants who get in a tizzy about singular they/them. They kind of allude to it when someone says "that just doesn't sound right to me", but this is such a common occurrence. I think people who balk at singular they/them really need it pointed out more directly, right next to the section that talks about respecting people and how it makes them feel to be misgendered.

Surprisingly - and only because it's so short - this guide really gets into the nuances that come with existing in this world as a nonbinary person. Whether gender neutral pronouns are completely new to you or you already consider yourself a well-informed ally, you'll learn from this fun, engaging book.

I will absolutely be passing this title along to our teen librarian to purchase for the YA nonfiction collection! As a cisgendered ally, I try to follow all the suggestions made in this book, but I know I mess up and feel awful for those I misgender. As much as I find myself making mistakes, I've encountered coworkers who are even worse about it, and I really do think this would be a great addition to our professional collection as well, especially with the number of nonbinary and genderqueer patrons we have.

Book – A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns
Author – Archie Bongiovanni & Tristan Jimerson
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 64
Cover – Bright, Fun, Cute
Genre – LGBT, Non-Fiction, Informative, YA friendly


** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **



This is a really cute, fun book that explains and explores the various uses of They/Them and gender neutral pronouns. It's told in comic form, and tells you from the outset that it's made for all ages, for all abilities, and to be an informative assistance guide for anyone who isn't quite sure how to use gender neutral pronouns properly.

I really love that it deals with the use of pronouns from both perspectives – that of a non-binary person and that of a cisgender. Not only does it explain why, in the book, but it's a handy tip for all those reading to remember that educating others on what is right and acceptable doesn't have to be complicated or aggressive. It can be about informing rather than correcting.

There are some beautiful, heartbreaking moments where Archie explores how it feels to be misgendered and just why it's so important to respect a person's right to be known by the correct pronouns. This was perfectly illustrated with the 'arrow of good intent'.

This is a perfect educational tool, that should be in all school libraries, available to teach kids as they're growing up, so that they don't grow up with the expected use of language (discussed in the book) that allows a person to deliberately or accidentally misgender a person all because it's how they were taught. It's the teaching and education of having an open mind and an open heart – and an open vocabulary – that is most important.

Overall, this is educational, eye-opening, and a much needed informative resource for every school, teenager, kid, and adult, who wants to know how to be a more inclusive and respectful person in everyday life. The tools provided are clear, easy to read, and well illustrated with examples and images that will make it easier to remember. There are also extra links at the end, for anyone who wants to do more reading.

A perfect tool to inform and educate.

~

Favourite Quote

“Fellow non-binary hunks and babes and hunkbabes:
We are not asking too much.
We are not demanding the impossible.
We are worth respect and understanding.”

This is such a short but important book. I think everybody should read it, it explains simply what we need to know about gender-neutral pronouns and how to use them. The art was simple, just what it needed to tell us everything without doing too much and it was really enjoyable.

I've been waiting for this since Limerence announced it, and I'm super pleased with the result!
The first 25 pages is set-up: what are pronouns and why is it important to use the correct pronouns when referring to or talking to a person.
The middle section is the how-to portion of the book. How to use gender neutral pronouns in a professional setting, when you don't know a person's pronouns, etc. How to correct yourself if you accidentally misgender someone (hint: don't make it a huge thing all about YOU). How to stand up for a non-binary friend OR let them stand up for themselves, and how to know the difference.
There are a few pages aimed toward non-binary folks, directly from Archie (the non-binary half of the creative team) about navigating the process of coming out, figuring out when to pick your battles, etc. It's written for non-binary folks, but that portion is also useful for cisgender (your pronouns match what you were assigned at birth, usually your sex) people as it gives you a source of understanding and empathy.
The book wraps up with a few handy pages that are sort of like cheat-sheets. You could even photocopy them to hang in your work cubicle! (We do not condone copying pages and distributing them without written consent from Limerence because that's illegal and not cool.)

In all - this is a great book and, at 70 pages, a handy reference to leave in the breakroom, your local library, etc. I really appreciate that the creative team put it together specifically to be readable and affordable, and that they made it clear that this is the start of a conversation and the start of the work we all need to do to make our society more inclusive and welcoming.