misgender
Use incorrect pronouns
To misgender someone is to refer to them using a pronoun or form of address that doesn't match their gender identity—calling a transgender woman "he," for instance.
The term emerged alongside growing awareness of gender identity: The intake form kept misgendering patients.
Usually describes an error, though it can be deliberate.
Wrong action or decision
- slipMinor error or misstep
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
- gaffeClumsy social error
- faux pasSocial misstep or indiscretion
oversight · incorrect · assumption · misidentify · mislabel · misname · misclassification · inaccuracy
Outside male-female categories
- pronounsNoun substitutes
- they/themGender-neutral singular pronouns
- neopronounsNewly created personal pronouns
- genderqueerOutside the two-category system
coming out · transitioning · passing · chosen name · affirming · self-identification
Act of nullifying
- dysphoriaProfound psychological discomfort
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- hurtfulCausing emotional pain
- disrespectLack of regard
erasure · alienation · marginalization · othering · microaggression · emotional harm · dismissal · rejection
Male subject pronoun
- sheThat woman there
- theyNot we, but
- zeNeologistic third-person pronoun
- neopronounsNewly created personal pronouns
pronoun · misuse · honorific · sir · ma'am · Mr. · Ms. · Mx.
Using pre-transition name
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- transphobiaPrejudice against transgender people
- bigotryIntolerance toward differing views
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
hostility · malicious · intentional · targeted · bullying · discrimination · abuse · cruelty
Free from error
- affirmDeclare to be true
- respectRegard with honor
- validateConfirm as true
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
apologize · inclusive · allyship · supportive · learn · educate · normalize · sensitivity
Practice of welcoming all
- allyshipActive support for marginalized
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- educationSystematic development of mind
- respectRegard with honor
accountability · LGBTQ+ · safe spaces · policy · workplace training · best practices · name badges
mistake
Wrong action or decision
faux pas · oversight · incorrect · assumption · misidentify · mislabel · misname · misclassification · inaccuracy · misattribution
nonbinary
Outside male-female categories
- pronounsNoun substitutes
- they/themGender-neutral singular pronouns
- neopronounsNewly created personal pronouns
genderqueer · coming out · transitioning · passing · chosen name · affirming · self-identification
invalidation
Act of nullifying
- dysphoriaProfound psychological discomfort
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- hurtfulCausing emotional pain
disrespect · erasure · alienation · marginalization · othering · microaggression · emotional harm · dismissal · rejection · disregard
he
Male subject pronoun
neopronouns · pronoun · misuse · honorific · sir · ma'am · Mr. · Ms. · Mx. · title
deadnaming
Using pre-transition name
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
- transphobiaPrejudice against transgender people
- bigotryIntolerance toward differing views
prejudice · hostility · malicious · intentional · targeted · bullying · discrimination · abuse · cruelty · hateful
correct
Free from error
acknowledge · apologize · inclusive · allyship · supportive · learn · educate · normalize · sensitivity · awareness
inclusivity
Practice of welcoming all
- allyshipActive support for marginalized
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- educationSystematic development of mind
respect · accountability · LGBTQ+ · safe spaces · policy · workplace training · best practices · name badges