How to address a non-binary or trans person respectfully in French and English
March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility, so I have seized the opportunity to make this video (which has been requested by some of my students) about how to address a transgender or non-binary person respectfully in French. Especially when everything is gendered in the French language as either masculine or feminine!
First, a few years ago there was a lot of discussion about the new pronoun ‘iel’. I have spoken about it in this long lecture. If you want to drill down into specifics, check it out.
In French or English, a person being non-binary does not mean they will automatically use they/them pronouns or gender-neutral language. The best way to know what to use is to ask them! Say, “What are your pronouns, please?” in English, or ask them “Est-ce que vous préférez le masculin ou la feminin?” in French. Very often they have a preference or will tell you they don’t care, you can use either.
Some people use the new pronoun ‘iel’ but it is very niche. You may use it, of course! However, a lot of people have negative reactions to it, so that’s something to be prepared for.
The same rule applies to honorifics, like Monsieur or Madame. Just ask a non-binary person what they are comfortable with. Many times they will just want you to use their name and that’s fine too.
Your next steps
If you like this way of learning French, you will love to learn with me as a student or client. Please check out:
My 1-1 coaching program, The French Transformation, if you need to improve your French fast.
My group program, The French Fluency Accelerator, if you’d like to join a community of students from all over the world. We have weekly practice calls together and the best online video library to learn French.
Pro tip: you don’t need to choose!
All my 1-1 clients are invited to join the French Accelerator free of charge.
Feel free to book a call with me now to discuss options.
About the author
Angel Pretot is a French learning coach. He helps English speakers from all over the world learn French fast and become fluent. You can work with him one-on-one (online via skype or a similar software) or join a global community of French learners in his group program the French Fluency Accelerator.
