I keep messing up my sister’s kid’s pronouns & she’s really upset with me. How can I do better?
Hi Jake,My sister’s 14-year-old recently came out as non-binary and now goes by they/them pronouns.
I respect this, but I have had some trouble making the adjustment. For the most part, I remember to use their correct pronouns, although I have slipped up on occasion.
In my defense, this is still new to me and I’m only human!My “sibkid” (that’s what I call them now instead of “niece”) is pretty relaxed about it and seems to understand that I forget sometimes. (They are SUCH an awesome kid!) My sister, however, is another story.Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.She gets really upset whenever I mess up, even though I’ve told her it’s genuinely a mistake and I’m not trying to offend anyone.
The last time it happened, she made me feel ashamed by saying it’s been six months and I should “know by now.” Then she accused me of not making enough of an effort to be an ally.Maybe I am being a bad aunt and ally?
