Unicode adds X也, China’s first gender-neutral pronoun for digital use
A new gender-neutral Chinese pronoun, X也, has been added to Unicode, marking a significant step for LGBTQ+ recognition in China. The character’s inclusion follows years of advocacy by activists and linguists. Its addition could eventually allow users to type, search, and display it on digital devices worldwide.
The pronoun X也 was first proposed for Unicode in 2020 by linguist and activist Fang Ke. The character had already existed for nearly a decade but remained obscure due to technical limitations—it wasn’t available on standard keyboards and was often stylised in confusing ways. Its design resembles traditional Chinese pronouns but includes an ‘X’ to signal neutrality.
Historically, Chinese pronouns weren’t strictly binary. The male pronoun 他 (tā) was once used for all people, as its components simply mean ‘person’ without gender. However, over time, it became strongly associated with maleness. In the early 20th century, the female pronoun 她 (tā) was created to align with feminist movements and Western linguistic influences. This shift left some, like agender Hong Konger Fan, dissatisfied with 他 as a neutral option. Fan initially tried using it but later switched to the English ‘TA’ in all caps.
High-profile non-binary activist Siufung Law faced similar challenges. While using ‘they/them’ in English, Law struggled to find an equivalent in Chinese. The unofficial X也 emerged from intersex and non-binary communities as a solution, offering a distinct alternative to existing pronouns.
The process of fully integrating X也 into digital systems may still take years. Yet its Unicode inclusion is seen as progress, particularly in China, where conservative attitudes and government restrictions create difficulties for LGBTQ+ individuals. Critics argue that reviving 他 as neutral would be simpler, but supporters say its masculine connotations are now too ingrained.
With Unicode approval, X也 could soon appear on phones, laptops, and online platforms. This change provides practical support for those seeking gender-neutral language in Chinese. For activists and non-binary individuals, it represents a hard-won milestone in visibility and acceptance.
