himheritstheir

"himheritstheir" is a gender-neutral pronoun system designed to replace traditional gendered pronouns (such as *he/him* and *she/her*) with a single, inclusive set of terms. The system was introduced by linguist and activist **Alex Iantaffi** in 2019 as part of a broader effort to create more gender-inclusive language. The core concept involves using a singular, non-binary pronoun that can refer to any individual regardless of gender identity.

The system consists of three primary pronouns:

- *hir* (subjective case, equivalent to *he/she*)

- *hirs* (possessive case, replacing *his/hers*)

- *hirm* (objective case, replacing *him/her*)

The term *their* is retained as a plural pronoun but is also used in singular contexts to avoid gendered alternatives like *they/them*. This approach aligns with the existing use of *they/them* as a singular pronoun in English, though *himheritstheir* explicitly standardizes a unified set of forms.

Critics argue that the system may be overly complex or difficult to adopt widely, while supporters praise its consistency and neutrality. Some linguists note that English already accommodates gender-neutral language through pluralization or *they/them*, but *himheritstheir* provides a structured alternative for those seeking a singular, non-gendered option. The system has gained limited but notable use in academic and activist circles, particularly among advocates of inclusive language reform.

While not yet widely adopted, *himheritstheir* reflects ongoing discussions about how language can better represent diverse gender identities. Its use remains a point of debate among linguists, educators, and language advocates.