If you are interviewing a relative of a trans person or someone else who refers to them using a different name or gender identity, still use in your story the name and terms that the trans person themselves uses to describe their gender. If their chosen name is not known, it is better to avoid using a name altogether.
Sensationalism
Unfortunately, trans people are still too often asked questions that cross their boundaries and cause discomfort. A good practice is to avoid questions you would not ask a cis person—that is, someone who is not transgender.
For example, it would be inappropriate to ask a stranger whether they are circumcised or what their breasts look like.
A good rule is to avoid personal questions about a person’s medical experiences, body shape, or anatomy, including their reproductive organs, genitals, and similar details.
- Remember that a trans person’s body may have gone through changes, but that is only one part of the experience of gender transition (sooline üleminek) and living as a trans person. What may be far more significant is their emotional journey, or their experiences at school, at work, and in friendships. Discuss physical changes only if they are truly relevant to the story and you have agreed on it with the interviewee in advance. Clarify what is on the record and off the record.
- Think carefully about the purpose of your questions. Are you asking about a sensitive topic simply because it feels sensational? Or are you aiming to highlight access to essential healthcare services and the barriers that exist?
Although it might seem—because of click-driven media—that the public is interested in the sensational side of trans issues, research shows otherwise. People with no strong stance on the topic (movable middle) often believe that the media exploits LGBT people, especially trans people, and that the lack of genuine “news value” in such coverage puts audiences off.¹
For advice on how to plan an interview or a story focusing on the medical aspects of gender transition, see more here.
Respectful communication
Before asking a question, consider whether you truly need the information or are simply curious. If it’s the latter, don’t ask.²
If you have not previously agreed to discuss gender transition (sooline üleminek) and the interview topic is something else—such as the person’s achievements or work—avoid bringing up the topic of being trans. Being transgender is only one aspect of a person’s experience, and they may not wish to talk about it even if it is publicly known that they are trans.
If, however, being trans is in some way central to the story but you have not had the chance to ask what topics they are comfortable discussing, be supportive and ready to adjust your questions or focus as needed.
For instance, they may wish to talk about their gender transition but not about how it has affected their family relationships.
If the interviewee says they do not wish to discuss a certain topic, do not pressure them. Avoid rephrasing the same question in another way. This might seem counter to a journalist’s instincts—asking questions is, after all, part of the job—but it is the foundation of respectful communication and creates an environment where the interviewee feels safe to speak openly about other subjects.
If you happen to misspeak, don’t worry. Correct yourself and move on. Mistakes are human. Drawing too much attention to it or apologizing at length will likely make everyone more uncomfortable.
For example:
— Today’s program is about sex change…
… sorry, gender transition (sooline üleminek).
For this discussion, we’ve invited Liisa and Kris…
In journalistic pieces that include trans people as sources but are not about transgender issues, it is inappropriate to mention that the person is transgender.³ In many stories, whether a person is trans or cisgender (paiksooline) is not relevant to the topic.⁴ This does not mean it can never be mentioned, but rather that it doesn’t need to be included every time or highlighted in the headline.
For instance, we don’t write about cis people like this:
“Malle, who is a woman, thinks Tallinn should have more bike lanes.”
“Man Ülo found a lynx in his backyard.”
Therefore, it is unnecessary to emphasize in every context that a trans woman is trans or that a non-binary person is non-binary. In many cases, their name alone is enough.
