Mirror pronouns
Being referred to with whatever pronouns the speaker uses for themselves.
Mirror pronouns are an arrangement where someone is referred to using whichever pronouns the speaker uses for themselves. A woman speaking about them says she; a man speaking about them says he.
It is a small and unusual option, used by some people whose gender is relational or contextual, and by people for whom the interesting thing about pronouns is the relationship rather than the category.
In practice it needs explaining once per person, which is why the people who use it tend to have a short sentence ready.
It is written various ways in an introduction, most often as mirror or mirror/mirrorself, and the explanation usually follows immediately.
Mirror pronouns are a rare option, not a general rule
Because it is unusual, it is sometimes presented as evidence that pronoun requests have become unreasonable. It is used by very few people, who generally explain it clearly.
It also does not require anyone to track anything difficult: the speaker uses what they already use for themselves, which is the one pronoun they never have to think about.
Saying it well
Say this
- My pronouns are mirror.
- Use whatever you use for yourself.
- Mirror, so it depends who is talking.
- I will explain: you say she about yourself, so say she about me.
Not this
- That makes no sense
- Too complicated
- Just pick one
- I am not doing that
Questions people actually ask
What are mirror pronouns?
An arrangement where someone is referred to with whatever pronouns the speaker uses for themselves.
Are they common?
No. They are a rare option used by a small number of people.
Are they difficult to use?
Not especially. The speaker uses the pronouns they already use for themselves.
How are they written in an introduction?
Usually as mirror or mirror/mirrorself, with a short explanation.