One side derides the youth driving the movement as snowflakes and social justice warriors, too sensitive and too politically correct. They contend the gender shift upends traditional and faith-based values.

Those on the flip side see gender as a deeply personal sense of being that should be respected. Some hurl stinging rebukes for using pronouns that differ from how individuals refer to themselves.

Discussions of gender identity have progressed into mainstream conversations because of a growing acceptance and movements often driven by American college students.

Not everyone understands the reasons why some insist on unconventional pronouns or describe themselves using gender terms that are unfamiliar to many.

Reporter Vanessa McCray talked to those involved in the movement, those who observe it from a distance, and those who have been affected by it from one side or the other. You can read that here.