Neutrois in Literature & Literary Theory

Neutrois: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “neutrois” is a combination of “neutral” and the French word “trois,” meaning three. It emerged in the late 20th century within the context of gender identity to describe a non-binary or gender-neutral experience. Neutrois reflects an individual’s identification outside the traditional binary of male or female, often emphasizing a gender-neutral or agender identity.

Meanings and Concept:

• Non-Binary Identity: Neutrois is a term used by individuals who identify outside the conventional gender binary, encompassing a range of gender identities that may be neutral, agender, or fluid.
• Gender Neutrality: The concept of neutrois emphasizes a gender-neutral experience, where individuals may feel a disconnect from the societal expectations and norms associated with binary gender categories.
• Agender Expression: Neutrois individuals often express an agender or gender-neutral appearance, rejecting gendered characteristics and embracing a presentation that aligns with their unique identity.
• Personal Autonomy: Embracing neutrois as a gender identity reflects a commitment to personal autonomy and self-discovery, allowing individuals to define and express their gender in a way that feels authentic to them.
• Diverse Identities: Neutrois serves as an umbrella term, encompassing a diversity of gender identities that reject or go beyond the male/female binary, fostering inclusivity within the non-binary community.
• Pronoun Preferences: Neutroistic individuals may have specific pronoun preferences, often opting for gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them” or other pronoun sets that align with their gender identity.
• Challenges and Visibility: Like many non-binary identities, being neutroistic may pose challenges in terms of societal understanding and recognition. Increased visibility and awareness contribute to fostering understanding and acceptance of diverse gender experiences.

Neutrois: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Neutrois, as a theoretical term in gender identity, denotes a non-binary experience that transcends the traditional male-female binary. Individuals identifying as neutrois often express a gender-neutral or agender identity, rejecting societal expectations associated with binary gender norms. This term reflects a broader understanding of gender diversity, emphasizing autonomy in self-identification and contributing to the ongoing discourse on expanding gender categories beyond the binary paradigm.

Neutrois: Theorists, Works and Argument

Theorists:

• Kate Bornstein: As a gender theorist, Kate Bornstein has explored and written extensively on non-binary and genderqueer identities, contributing to the discourse around gender beyond the binary, which includes concepts related to neutrois identities.

Works:

• “Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us” (1994): Kate Bornstein’s influential work delves into non-binary and genderqueer experiences, challenging traditional notions of gender and providing a broader perspective on identities such as neutrois.

Argument:

• Expanding Gender Discourse: The argument associated with neutrois identities, influenced by theorists like Kate Bornstein, centers on the necessity of expanding the discourse on gender. It asserts that recognizing and respecting non-binary identities, including neutrois, is essential for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the diverse ways individuals experience and express their gender.

Neutrois: Major Characteristics

• Non-Binary Identification: Neutrois is characterized by a non-binary gender identification, indicating a rejection or transcendence of the traditional male-female binary.
• Gender Neutrality: Individuals identifying as neutrois often embrace a gender-neutral or agender experience, expressing a disconnection from societal expectations associated with gendered norms.
• Agender Expression: Neutrois individuals may present themselves in an agender manner, eschewing gendered characteristics and adopting a gender expression that aligns with their unique identity.
• Personal Autonomy: Embracing neutrois reflects a commitment to personal autonomy and self-discovery, allowing individuals to define and express their gender outside of societal norms.
• Diverse Identities: Neutrois serves as an umbrella term, encompassing a diverse range of gender identities within the non-binary spectrum, promoting inclusivity and recognizing the multitude of ways individuals experience gender.
• Pronoun Preferences: Neutrois individuals often have specific pronoun preferences, commonly using gender-neutral pronouns like “they/them” or other sets that align with their gender identity.
• Challenges and Visibility: Similar to other non-binary identities, being neutrois may pose challenges in terms of societal understanding and recognition. Increased visibility and awareness contribute to fostering understanding and acceptance of diverse gender experiences.

Neutrois: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Neutrois in Literary Context
Queer Theory	Neutrois challenges binary norms, aligning with the deconstructionist goals of queer theory, opening avenues for exploring non-normative gender identities in literature.
Feminist Literary Criticism	In feminist literary criticism, the concept of neutrois expands discussions on gender beyond the traditional male-female dichotomy, contributing to a more inclusive examination of gender roles.
Postcolonialism	Neutrois identity intersects with postcolonial literature by challenging Western gender norms, offering new perspectives on identity that can be explored in the context of postcolonial narratives.
Reader-Response Theory	The representation of neutroistic characters allows for diverse reader responses, prompting exploration of individual interpretations and emotional engagement with characters defying traditional gender norms.
Structuralism	Neutrois, as a non-binary concept, challenges structuralist notions of fixed and binary categories, encouraging a reconsideration of how gender structures are reflected and subverted in literature.

Neutrois: Application in Critiques

1. Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg:

• Non-Binary Exploration: The novel, set against the backdrop of the transgender and queer community, provides a platform for exploring non-binary identities. Neutroistic concepts can be applied to analyze how the characters challenge and redefine traditional gender norms within the narrative.

2. Orlando by Virginia Woolf:

• Fluid Gender Identity: Woolf’s novel, with its protagonist undergoing a gender transformation, allows for a discussion on fluid gender identity. Neutroistic concepts can be applied to explore how Orlando’s journey challenges binary notions, contributing to the evolving discourse on gender.

3. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides:

• Intersex and Gender Exploration: Eugenides’ novel delves into the complexities of intersexuality and gender identity. Neutroistic concepts can be applied to discuss how the protagonist’s journey intersects with non-binary experiences, offering insights into the diverse ways gender is portrayed in literature.

4. Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin:

• Ambiguous Gender in Sci-Fi: Le Guin’s novel, set in a world where individuals are ambisexual, provides a unique lens to discuss concepts in speculative fiction. The application of these ideas can help explore the novel’s contribution to breaking down traditional gender norms in the science fiction genre.

Neutrois: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Non-Binary	Gender identity outside the traditional male-female binary.
Agender	Absence or lack of gender identity.
Gender Neutrality	Embracing a gender expression devoid of stereotypical traits.
Queer Theory	Analyzing non-normative gender and sexual identities in literature.
Pronoun Preferences	Specific choices such as “they/them” reflecting gender identity.
Fluid Gender Identity	Recognition and acceptance of gender identity as dynamic.
Inclusivity	Embracing diverse gender identities and experiences.
Identity Autonomy	Asserting the right to self-define and express one’s gender.
Binary Challenge	Rejecting or subverting traditional male/female categorizations.
Genderqueer	Umbrella term encompassing various non-normative gender identities.

Neutrois: Suggested Readings

1. Bornstein, Kate. Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us. Vintage, 1994.
2. Feinberg, Leslie. Stone Butch Blues. Firebrand Books, 1993.
3. Eugenides, Jeffrey. Middlesex. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2002.
4. Le Guin, Ursula K. The Left Hand of Darkness. Ace Books, 1969.
5. Woolf, Virginia. Orlando: A Biography. Harcourt, 1928.