Gender identity

The right to gender self-determination must be guaranteed for every person. This means that everyone has the freedom to describe, define, and express their own gender experience and sense of self — their gender identity. A person’s gender identity cannot be questioned by another individual, determined or diagnosed by a medical professional, and a diagnosis must not be a prerequisite for accessing necessary healthcare services.

When representing trans people, always use the name, gender-identifying words, and pronouns that the person wants to be used for them. If you’re unsure how to refer to someone, ask. The name a trans person uses in everyday life may differ from the one they were given at birth. Likewise, a person’s appearance may not correspond to traditional ideas of femininity or masculinity, nor reflect stereotypical notions of what a transgender person looks like.

— What’s your name?
— My name is Säde.
— … okay, but what’s your real name?

Unfortunately, trans people are still repeatedly asked for their so-called “real name.” The name a trans person uses to introduce themselves — the one they have chosen and live by — is their real name, regardless of what appears in their passport. Many people use chosen names, and the media does not mention their birth names when writing about them (for example, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Lydia Koidula). The same principle should apply when covering trans people: use the name a person introduces themselves with, without questioning its validity.

When asking about a person’s gender identity, it’s important to approach the topic with respect and to use language that acknowledges a trans person’s own choices in describing their gender identity. Keep in mind that the subject may be sensitive, as a trans person might have had negative experiences in situations where they weren’t allowed to express their preferences or those preferences were ignored. It’s better to ask open-ended questions than to assume specific answers.

It’s also important to respect a person’s boundaries and ask only those questions they feel comfortable answering. Allow the interviewee to share information at their own pace. If they choose not to answer a question about their identity, respect that choice and move on to the next topic.

What if it’s not possible to ask?

It’s not always possible to ask a source directly which words they use to describe their gender identity. In such cases, we recommend relying on publicly available information created by the person themselves (for example, their social media account, website, etc.). If you’re not sure how the person defines themselves based on that public information, consider leaving those details out altogether.