The word "neutrois" is a term used to describe a gender identity that is neither male nor female. The spelling of this word reflects its roots in French, where "neutre" means neutral. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word would be pronounced "nu-trwah," where the "trwah" sound is a combination of the French "u" and "oi" sounds. As the language of gender identity evolves, it's important to recognize and respect the proper spelling and pronunciation of these terms.
Neutrois is a term used within the transgender and non-binary community to describe a gender identity that is neither masculine nor feminine. It is an umbrella term for individuals who do not fully align with the traditional binary system of male and female, but instead identify as having a neutral or null gender. Neutrois is often considered to be a non-binary identity.
Individuals who identify as neutrois may experience a lack of gender or a sense of being genderless. This can manifest as a disconnection from traditional gender roles, expressions, and expectations, as well as a desire to exist outside the confines of the binary gender spectrum. Neutrois individuals may prefer gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them or ze/hir, or they may opt to use specific androgynous terms to reflect their gender identity.
While gender identity is deeply personal, neutrois individuals can often face challenges within society due to a general lack of awareness and understanding surrounding non-binary gender identities. However, with increased visibility and acceptance of diverse gender identities, neutrois individuals and their experiences are becoming more recognized and respected.
It is crucial to respect and honor individuals' self-identified gender identities, including neutrois, and to create inclusive environments that allow individuals to express their gender comfortably and authentically.
The word "neutrois" is derived from combining the Greek prefix "neutro-" meaning "neutral" or "neither", with "-is", a suffix often used in gender-related terminology. It was coined by a member of the non-binary community, H. A. Burnham, in 1995 to describe a gender identity that is neutral or null, aligning neither with masculinity nor femininity. The term was intended to provide increased visibility and recognition for individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female, but as having a separate and distinct gender identity.