Official documents in the United Kingdom will now give the option of Mx as a title, alongside Ms, Miss, Mrs and Mr. The title Mx (usually pronounced “Mux” or “Mix”) allows those who identify as gender-neutral or non-binary, including many transgender people, to more accurately describe themselves on documents like driving licenses and passports. The UK government are playing catch-up, after various banks, universities and the Royal Mail recognized the title.
Mx is also under consideration by the Oxford English Dictionary for inclusion in the next edition, due to be released in June 2015. Assistant Editor Jonathan Dent told the Sunday Times, “This is an example of how the English language adapts to people’s need, with people using language in ways that suit them rather than letting language dictate identity to them.”
Although the title has been in use since the 70s, the original aim of gender activists was for Mx to replace gendered titles completely, but since the 90s it more closely associated with people identifying as gender-neutral or non-binary. SJ Jacobs, a spokesperson for the UK Nonbinary Inclusion Project, told the Times that the addition of Mx to official documents is “a big step forward,” but that there is still “a long way to go.” Here’s hoping the US will soon follow in Great Britain’s progressive and inclusive footsteps.