They can be. I mean, I don’t think xe is inherently less legitimate as a word. But I do think it’s ugly and unnecessary, as are neopronouns in general. I have similarly pedantic opinions on things like ‘irregardless’.
If someone asked me to use ‘xe’ I would out of courtesy, but I would much prefer we all come together and agree that the singular they is the best choice for the job.
Why can’t they and xe be used depending on what someone prefers?
They can be. I mean, I don’t think xe is inherently less legitimate as a word. But I do think it’s ugly and unnecessary, as are neopronouns in general. I have similarly pedantic opinions on things like ‘irregardless’.
If someone asked me to use ‘xe’ I would out of courtesy, but I would much prefer we all come together and agree that the singular they is the best choice for the job.