[hyperdunc]

It being incredibly important to them is part of the narcissism.

They can believe whatever they want, but they don't get to demand validation from anyone who's not willing to freely give it.

This pronoun nonsense is as much of a coercion as it is a kindness. I won't participate.

[andrepd]

I don't quite get your stance. You're free not to use those words. It's not like it is against the law to not use those pronouns. It is a simple and nearly effortless courtesy, that you can ignore if you want, with the consequence that people may think you're a twat and treat you accordingly.

Like, you're not mandated by law to greet someone with "good morning" instead of saying "fuck you". Yet it is widely understood that if you do this and refuse to say good morning, people will be upset and become hostile towards you. It's a perfect analogous situation. I'm not really sure what you want.

[rrose]

It's no more coercive than any other social norm. If you act disrespectful to the people around you, they will treat you accordingly. Everyone everywhere accepts this in 99% of situations and it is interesting to see the specific exceptions they make.