Once in a blue moon, we encounter a parenting moment so epic that it goes viral.
A Canadian student, Karuna Vellino, recently arrived on the scene to their mother as non-binary, meaning they do not identify as man or woman. Their mom didn't hesitate to consider a gender neutral nickname for their child. Karuna announced the supportive and sweet adaptation on Twitter, saying:
“My mom has always called me 'baby girl' and we have been experimenting with gender neutral ways to adapt that since I came out as nonbinary.”
My mom has always called me “baby girl” and we have been experimenting with gender neutral ways to adapt that since I arrived on the scene as nonbinary and pic.twitter.com/cOIAgvYs5J
— Karuna (@blondbutch) June 20, 2021
There isn't one thing about this I don't love. Baby goats are literally kids and I'm here for that mom joke!
You see, coming out as queer several years ago introduced me to an entirely new world of pronouns, identities, and labels that I never knew previously. Before I arrived on the scene, I never realized how gendered most monikers are. Nicknames are about showing you care, not about choosing a label that's tied to a gender. We can actually choose from a myriad of gender-neutral nicknames for our family members.
From your children to your bae, here are some gender neutral pet names that will show how much you care:
For A young child:
Little Bit
That's exactly what our children are! Little items of cuteness and often, mischief.
Muffin
We call babies a bun in the oven, so why not a little muffin?
Half Pint
Half pint is the precious nickname Charles Ingalls had for Laura (my namesake) in Little House Around the Prairie. It works for as a cute choice for gender neutrality!
Pumpkin
A classic pet name for everyone.
Bean
My child was “baby bean” in utero and now, six years later, that name has stuck. Sweet option, regardless of their gender.
Peanut
Peanuts are adorable and small! Need I only say more?
Cupcake
Always a sweet treat, along with a great name choice for little ones!
For A Friend:
Bestie
An abbreviation of closest friend that isn't tied to gender.
Ride Or Die
Some individuals are there for us no matter what. Those people are our “ride or die” friends.
Accomplice
Introduce your bestie as your accomplice and see if you (and they) don't smile.
Sidekick
When y'all are Sherlock and Watson, this name works great! Have some fun answering who is who!
Partner In Crime
How many times has your friend been the Bonnie for your Clyde?
Goofball
A goofball, by definition, is a silly person! Your crew certainly includes a few of these — the ones who cause you to smile and have your back.
Old Sport
A monocle, accent, and cigar are usually necesary to pull this one off, to become fair.It's partly Gatsby-inspired, partly since i want to see the monocle come back popular.
On a personal note, my closest comrade has stuck by me for more than two decades. Their nickname is “that individual who knows too much.” Kidding. They're actually the person who knows way too much.
For A Significant Other:
Baby
While certainly immortalized by Mr. Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, it's a classic that can be applied to anyone.
Babe
Similar to baby, but we drop the “y” for any whole new option.
My Love
Who doesn't want the person of their dreams looking into their eyes saying, “Hello my love.” Swoon.
Sweetie
A word reminiscent of sugar and wonderful treats — it is really an oldie but goodie.
Sweetheart
See sweetie and add a heart.
My Puzzle Piece
Human beings are inherently social; you want to belong. Hearing we are someone's puzzle piece is a wonderful feeling.
These many options beg the issue: What do we call the non-binary people in our lives? Ultimately, it's about finding something that's personal to you and to them.There are so many wonderful methods to take gender out of the equation, so challenge yourself to swap the typical pet names for some thing inclusive. You're sure to find the perfect nickname for everyone you love, regardless of their gender.
Which of these do you like best? Which might you use for your loved ones? Share with us within the comments!
