So you want to know more about this construct called gender, eh? You happen to know someone at work that you suspect is trans, or gay, or somekind of queer… Right?
Let’s stop right there.
Imagine how exausting it might be for trans people to constantly feel pressured into the same conversation about their gender. A lot of trans people don’t like to be reminded that others see them as queer, because they aim to pass as their expressed gender.
It is not a trans person’s responsibility to provide you with gender education.
It’s not their responsibility even if you suspect you might be trans, your kid might be trans, your spouse is into trans content… these are not good conversation starters!
If you’re looking to have a respectful conversation wiith a trans person about gender, then you need to have your ducks in a row – or you could end up sounding like a major dickhead.
Learn and use their preferred pronouns
Before you approach a person
When is it OK to ask about gender?
If you are invited into a conversation about gender – let’s say in the lunchroom at work – it’s important to consider the venue