These recommendations are general guidelines. When you are in contact with a person you are writing about, follow their own preferences for how they wish to be described and represented. Tick the boxes!
en
These recommendations are general guidelines. When you are in contact with a person you are writing about, follow their own preferences for how they wish to be described and represented. Tick the boxes!
If you are interviewing a trans person’s relative or someone else who refers to them by a different name, use the trans person’s chosen name in your story. If that name is not known, avoid using any name at all.
When referring to a person in the past, use their current name. When speaking about trans men and trans women, use the corresponding gendered words (man, woman, etc.).
When interviewing a nonbinary person, ask whether they prefer gendered or gender-neutral language when describing themselves.
If you’re not certain what specific words mean, ask — or look them up in the glossary provided here. Make sure you understand what you’re referring to.
Remember that trans people are experts in many fields. Involve them as experts on topics beyond trans-related issues, too!
Trans people, like all people, have diverse life experiences, perspectives, desires, and beliefs. Meeting one trans person does not mean that all trans people you meet will share the same experiences or views.
Media coverage often narrows trans experience to a medical perspective. Being trans is about much more than healthcare. Before writing, consider whether it’s truly necessary to mention a trans person’s personal medical history. One valid reason to address it is to highlight issues of accessibility within trans healthcare.
Avoid asking about genitals, medical procedures, or surgeries. Discuss these topics only if the person is comfortable doing so and gives you informed consent.
Base your story on evidence-based information and verify the reliability of your sources.
This overused approach reinforces sensationalism. When using childhood photos of a trans person, make sure you have their consent. If a public figure announces their new gender identity, there is no need to include earlier photos for comparison.
Images of pride parades or drag performers are often used to illustrate stories about gender-diverse people. If the story is not about Pride or about a trans person who is a drag artist, it’s best to avoid using such imagery. You can find photo bank recommendations here!