{"id":1086,"date":"2020-03-30T19:29:07","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T18:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1086"},"modified":"2023-03-23T16:51:58","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T16:51:58","slug":"transgender-why-language-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/transgender-why-language-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Transgender &#8211; Why language matters?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning to be an ally to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/trans-escorts\/gb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">transgender<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> community is an on-going process and will not happen overnight. However, taking steps (be it big or small) to learn and support the trans community can make a difference.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most important parts of being an ally to the transgender community is understanding and learning what it means to be transgender, identity, and the importance of language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-does-transgender-mean?\">What does transgender mean?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#the-importance-of-language\">The importance of language<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pronouns-a-beginners-guide\">Pronouns a beginners guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#words-that-should-not-be-used\">Words that should not be used<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#becoming-an-ally\">Becoming an ally<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#further-resources,-information-and-support\">Further resources, information and support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"what-does-transgender-mean?\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>What does transgender mean?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transgender is an adjective which, in its simplest terms, means a person whose gender expression\/gender identity differs from that of the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a person&#8217;s internal sense of being a man or a woman, and for some people outside the gender binary. For transgender people, the sex they were assigned does not match their internal gender identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also important to realise that identity and sexual orientation are not the same. While gender identity is about who you are, sexual orientation is who you are romantically or sexually attracted to. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like a cisgender person, a transgender person can identify as straight, gay, lesbian, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/what-being-bisexual-actually-means\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bisexual<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or queer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transgender people may use a number of terms to describe themselves such as transgender or non-binary (the latter is most commonly used to describe someone\u2019s gender identity when they do not identify within traditional categories of male or female). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is worth noting that some transgender people also identify as non-binary. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important you use the term used by the person themselves. If in doubt, politely asking what term they are happy for you to use is recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"the-importance-of-language\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>The importance of language<\/h2>\n<p>The language used to identify people should be inclusive. This is why referring to anyone identifying as transgender, and using terms they feel most comfortable with, is imperative.<\/p>\n<p>If someone expresses a wish to be referred to by a particular term, then their wishes should be respected.<\/p>\n<p>To deliberately continue to use the wrong term or pronoun to address someone is not only disrespectful but ultimately offensive, ignorant, and extremely hurtful.<br \/>\n<a name=\"pronouns-a-beginners-guide\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Pronouns &#8211;\u00a0 A beginners lesson<\/h2>\n<p>One of the most significant changes when it comes to the language being used in this <a style=\"font-family: Roboto, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/lgbtiq-acronyms-explained-a-complete-glossary-of-common-terms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTI+ community<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that of pronouns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Though many transgender and indeed non-binary people will still refer to themselves as he or she, more and more are preferring to use gender-neutral pronouns instead.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to assure you address someone correctly is to ask them what their preference or preferred pronoun is. However, some of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishtrans.org\/trans-rights\/practice\/use-of-pronouns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> choices of pronouns<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you are likely to come across:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns.png\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1097 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns.png\" alt=\"Gender pronouns and the importance of language \" width=\"1540\" height=\"2046\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns.png 1540w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns-226x300.png 226w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns-771x1024.png 771w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns-768x1020.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns-1156x1536.png 1156w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-pronouns-600x797.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1540px) 100vw, 1540px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nTo further help us get things right, it\u2019s good practice to understand the difference between common terms associated with sex, gender and sexuality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1106 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum.png\" alt=\"Spectrums of gender and sexuality \" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/gender-spectrum-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"words-that-should-not-be-used\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Words that should not be used<\/h2>\n<p>As well as being aware of the language we should be using and understanding, there are number of terms previously used to describe transgender people that have become outdated, and in many cases offensive.<\/p>\n<p>The below terms were once commonplace, but could now be seen as offensive to the transgender community.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Tranny &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some find this highly offensive and derogative<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Shemale \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An offensive term for a transgender woman<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Transsexual \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people find this offensive now, others not so much. Thus, it\u2019s more of a personal choice<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Sex Change Operation \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, the terms of gender-affirming surgery or sex reassignment surgery are preferred instead<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Hermaphrodite \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The preferred term now is intersex<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Gender Identity Disorder \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, the term used is gender dysphoria<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"becoming-an-ally\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Becoming an ally<\/h2>\n<p>Becoming<a style=\"font-family: Roboto, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.glaad.org\/transgender\/allies\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an ally of the transgender community<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means to support those identifying as transgender, through learning more about the community and the language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>There are many ways you can learn to support transgender people. They include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not assuming that transgender people look a certain way or come from specific backgrounds<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not making any assumptions about their sexual orientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asking what pronoun they prefer to use<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not making a big deal if you use the wrong pronouns, but apologise, learn from it and move on<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never ask them what their birth name was<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refraining from asking personal questions of a sexual nature<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not offering them tips or backhanded compliments based on stereotypes ie. \u201cI would never have known that you\u2019re trans.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Challenging any inconsiderate or offensive remarks or jokes at their expense<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding that transitioning is unique to each individual and a personal choice<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Remaining patient with those who have yet to decide or explore their gender identity and aren\u2019t sure of the term they wish to use currently<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1107 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people.png\" alt=\"Tips to being an ally for transgender people\" width=\"1110\" height=\"816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people.png 1110w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people-300x221.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people-1024x753.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people-768x565.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/becoming-an-ally-to-transgender-people-600x441.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1110px) 100vw, 1110px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"further-resources,-information-and-support\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Further resources, information, and support<\/h2>\n<p>There are many supportive organisations for transgender people and their friends, which offer help, fantastic resources, and vital information for all transgender and non-binary people.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best places for all ages is that of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All About Trans Group<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Working to help as many members of the trans community as they possibly can, they offer an incredibly<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allabouttrans.org.uk\/support-organisations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">informative directory<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on their site. Here you can access a full list that covers the whole of the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learning to be an ally to the transgender community is an on-going process and will not happen overnight. However, taking steps (be it big or small) to learn and support the trans community can make a difference. One of the most important parts of being an ally to the transgender community is understanding and learning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1111,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[223],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-1086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sex-and-relationships"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1086"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1086\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1086"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=1086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}