In the newest game in the Tomodachi Life (Tomodachi Collection) Series, Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream, not only does Nintendo deliver on their promise of homosexual relationships, but also they included the very welcomed addition of a non-binary gender option for the Mii characters.

When first review videos were released a couple of days ago we were also delighted to see pronouns options, seperate from gender. With the options, in the english localization, being 'he', 'she' and 'they'. The game seemed to be very inclusive and many were awaiting finally getting their hands on it.

However, when the demo ("Welcome Version") for the game released, we had to make an uneasy discovery. In several localizations (translations) of the game the only options for pronouns are the equivalents of he and she.

Adding a non-binary gender option, and then having to choose between binary gendered pronouns, defeats the entire purpose.

The reason is not a reason

The likely reason for this will be that many languages just don't have something like the english singular they.

However, I very much disagree with this. Seeing that and then just settling for 'he' and 'she' without a third option is giving up and making this inclusivity thing seems like a very half-hearted attempt.

Solution 1: Gender neutral pronouns

Altough not as widely used and recognized as the english singular they, most languages have gender neutral pronouns that could be used. They are just relatively new or niche. But language is natural and develops over time. Every word is made up. While there are organizations that try to structure and dictate language, we all know language changes quickly. Just think of all the slang coming, going, sticking.

The queer community obviously needs ways to reffer to non-binary folk, and in most languages ways for that have been opened. In my native language german, for example, I've seen a lot of non-binary people use "dey/deren". Additionally there is also "xier/xiem" which has even been used in media, like using it for The Owl House's non-binary character Raine in the german dub since Season 2 Episode 11.

Spanish has "elle", which while being technically new has already been used since the 19th century in some communities, and French has "iel". Both of these are not "officially recognized", but why should that stop anything?

Solution 2: Custom pronouns

If they want to bother with figuring out what pronouns to use, why not give us the option to use custom pronouns? The game already allows entering a lot of custom words for almost anything, and also specyfying pronounciation, so why not for pronouns?

Actually, you can, kind of. In the Chinese and Japanese (maybe more) localizations of the game you can also set the personal pronoun for Miis. In these languages there are multiple words for "I" (reffering to oneself). And alongside a lot of options, you can also enter custom pronouns.

So why not allow this for the third person pronouns too and allow it in every language?

Solution 3: No pronouns

If both of the above fail, why is there not at least an option for a Mii to be reffered with no pronouns at all? In most languages it should grammatically work to reffer to someone by just their name.

Something needs to happen

There needs to be a way to not have to choose between he and she.

Please spread the word about not only this petition but most importantly this issue. Talk to people, make posts online, make videos, email Nintendo, do anything (legal) you can think of to help this issue, if you rightfully believe this to be insane.

You can also join this discord server I made to organize in this issue: https://discord.gg/MntjEtZJPp