Unicode's Inclusion of a Gender-Neutral Pronoun Marks Progress for Non-Binary Recognition in Chinese

In September 2025, the Unicode Consortium added a new gender-neutral pronoun, X?, to its global character standard, a significant development for the LGBTQ+ community in Chinese-speaking regions. This pronoun, which resembles existing Chinese pronouns but includes an "X" to signify its non-binary nature, was created by the intersex and non-binary community and has been celebrated as a step toward broader recognition of non-binary identities in a language traditionally dominated by male and female pronouns.

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Historically, Chinese did not have gendered pronouns; the character ? (ta), now used for males, was once a universal pronoun. The introduction of the female pronoun ? (also pronounced "ta") in the early 20th century coincided with increased Western influence and the rise of the feminist movement in China. This shift led to a linguistic evolution that some argue renders the creation of a new gender-neutral pronoun unnecessary, as the original pronoun was once gender-neutral. However, contemporary users like Fan, a 23-year-old agender individual, feel that the male association of ? makes it unsuitable for non-binary identification.

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The new pronoun X? has garnered support from activists like Siufung Law, who emphasizes its importance in recognizing non-binary identities. Law, who uses they/them pronouns, expressed that having a distinct pronoun is crucial for those who do not fit within the traditional gender binary. Meanwhile, alternatives like TA, which uses English letters, have gained popularity but are seen by some as less satisfying due to their foreign appearance in a Chinese context.

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The addition of X? to Unicode is viewed as a symbolic victory, despite the practical challenges that remain. Michael Bauer, who played a key role in the Unicode application process, noted that it could take time for tech platforms to implement the character fully. Kaspar Wan, founder of the Hong Kong-based organization Gender Empowerment, highlighted that while the demand for a new character may be less pronounced in Cantonese-speaking regions, the inclusion of X? legitimizes non-binary identities within the language.

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Despite the progress represented by X?, some critics argue that the existing gender-neutral usage of ? should suffice. This perspective reflects a broader debate within the LGBTQ+ community about the necessity and effectiveness of new linguistic developments in promoting gender inclusivity.

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The introduction of X? occurs against a backdrop of increasing repression of LGBTQ+ rights in mainland China, where the government has intensified crackdowns on LGBTQ+ expression since Xi Jinping's administration began. In contrast, Hong Kong, while more open than mainland China, still lacks comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Activists like Law and Fan assert that the recognition of non-binary identities through language is vital, especially in a climate of rising homophobia and transphobia globally.

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• “having a pronoun that recognizes us is so important at this time,” — Siufung Law, Non-Binary Activist

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• “When you have a choice, it tells you that your desire or your identity is a valid option,” — Fan, Agender Activist

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• “Now that Unicode has this character, if you use it, people may say – oh, you’re non-binary,” — Kaspar Wan, Founder of Gender Empowerment

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The inclusion of X? in Unicode represents a significant milestone for non-binary recognition in Chinese, offering a new avenue for self-identification and potentially inspiring further discussions about gender inclusivity in language.

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