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The conversation around Hoffman's use of they/them pronouns comes amid a shift of \"they\" being used more and more as a gender-neutral singular pronoun in recent years as transgender and non-binary people say they are able to live more authentic lives.

Around 4 in 10 Americans say they personally know someone who is transgender, and nearly a quarter of Americans say they know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns such as \"they,\" according to 2021 Pew Research Center data.

The word \"they\" is most often used for someone who identifies as non-binary or genderqueer or gender non-conforming, meaning they experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as falling outside the categories of man or woman. \"They\" can also be used for those who identify as neither male nor female.

\"Using the correct pronouns not only shows that we recognize others for who they are, but it's also a sign of respect and courtesy,\" Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey, Alabama state director for the Human Rights Campaign, told ABC News previously. \"When someone is misgendered, meaning, when another person uses incorrect pronouns or descriptors to refer to them, we've found that it can be upsetting, invalidating, hurtful and even a cause of harm.\"

With their increased usage, \"they\" pronouns have become a flashpoint in the divisive culture wars playing out across the country, particularly in schools.

Last month, students in Virginia Beach, Virginia, protested a proposed policy that would ban transgender students from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity and would require parents to approve name or pronoun changes. And in Kentucky, the state senate last month passed a bill allowing teachers to refuse to refer to transgender students by their preferred pronouns.

Hoffman said they hope their presence on \"Songs for Littles\" and on their own personal TikTok page shows kids they will be \"supported and loved\" just by being their \"truest selves.\"

\"PHOTO:
@Julessingsforlittles/TikTok
PHOTO: Jules, a costar on the show "Songs for Littles," is seen in a TikTok video posted on March 2, 2023.
>

\"I am hoping that by being me, I am able to show kids that there are different types of people in the world, and sometimes people like me don't always fit in to the boxes that society has imposed upon us,\" Hoffman told ABC News. \"I want kids and adults alike to know that they will be supported and loved when they are their most authentic and truest selves.\"

Accurso, whose YouTube channel has over 3 million subscribers, has not commented on the reaction online to Hoffman's use of they/them pronouns.

Earlier this week, she shared on TikTok that she is pausing posting on the social media platform to help protect her mental health. She has continued to interact with her followers on Instagram.

\"Hurtful videos and comments, no matter how much attention they get, will not bring you what you want. Only love can do that,\" Accurso wrote on TikTok alongside a video of her singing, \"I'm taking a break from TikTok for my mental health.\"

Accurso told ABC News in a statement Wednesday that she hopes to return to TikTok \"soon.\"

\"I think it's important to recognize when we need a break from social media and to set social media boundaries,\" she said in a statement. \"I love connecting with the wonderful parenting & caregiving community on TikTok and will be back soon!\"

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