MANILA — Whether on paper or in person, have you ever been uncertain how to politely address someone? Miss no mark because you can use the honorific, ‘Mx.’

According to Merriam-Webster, the gender-neutral honorific ‘Mx.’ is used by people who do not identify or would like to not be identified as a particular gender.

It is pronounced as “miks” or “muks” and use has been recorded as early as 1977 in an issue of US magazine ‘Single Parent.’

Originally, ‘Mx.’ was also a feminist honorific used by people who did not want their title to reveal their gender.

Today, use of the honorific has extended to people who identify as non-binary. However, using ‘Mx.’ does not suggest a person’s gender identity, as much as it does their preferences.

READ: Susi ba ang paggamit ng 'x' para maging gender sensitive, neutral ang wikang Filipino?

'A MATTER OF COMFORT'

Randolf Maala-Resueño, a college student who identifies as non-binary, actively uses the honorific ‘Mx.’

“It's a matter of comfort. For the longest time, I've never felt comfortable enough to box myself in the [masculine]-centric 'he' and not be femme-presenting [enough] to be regarded as a 'she'," Maala Resueño said. 

"My 'they/them/theirs' pronouns effectively translate to my status as a ‘Mx.'."

Although not yet in common use in the Philippines, Maala-Resueño believes there there is potential in open discussions on it and on gender neutral language "in the evolving political appropriateness we uphold as a growing society."

Being open to more affirming honorifics is a step towards inclusivity and is part of a larger campaign to promote gender neutral and gender fair language.

SUPREME COURT ON SEXIST LANGUAGE

In 2022, the Supreme Court issued guidelines on the use of gender-fair language based on Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, which was passed to help address gender-based harassment.

READ: Bill amending Safe Spaces Act to address AI passed on final reading in Senate

"Sexist language ‘devalues members of one sex, almost invariably women, and thus fosters gender inequality.’ Indeed, it has been pointed out that ‘[t]he use of gendered generics can communicate subtle sexism, distract, and create ambiguity," the court said.

In May 20, the Department of Education - Region V (Bicol) released Regional Memorandum No. 00650, s. 2025 institutionalizing the use of 'Mx.' as an honorific.

The regional office said this is in line with their “commitment on fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals”. 

It said the use of ‘Mx.’ as an honorific is to be alongside other titles and not a replacement. People who prefer "Mr." and "Ms." or "Mrs." do not have to use it.

It said the honorific can be used in “training, learning and development activities, documentations, and formal or informal proceedings”.

According to the memo, the use of 'Mx.' would help people avoid making assumptions about a person’s gender identity based on their name or appearance.

Bills to penalize discrimination based on one's sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics have met stiff resistance in Congress for decades, with opponents saying it isn't needed, promotes special treatment and intrudes on religious freedom.