Addressing Transsexuality

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  • #1241

    George21663
    Participant

    At my job we have a person who is in the process of undergoing a sex change from man to woman. How should I identify and address this person, as a man or a woman? (i.e. ex-him, her, Mr., Ms.)
    Original Code SO109. Click here to see responses from the original archives. Click “to respond” below to reply.

    User Detail :  

    Name : George21663, Gender : M, City : Tampa, State : FL, Country : United States, 
    #34959

    Jessica30840
    Participant

    As a woman! It is really not a question of sexual orientation – she may like girls or boys – but of gender identity – she sees herself as a woman deeply enough to go through this very hard process. Saying ‘she’ (and ‘Ms.’ is always safe) is, even if hard at first, a real kindness and, also very appropriate.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Jessica30840, City : Seattle, State : WA, Country : United States, 
    #31196

    Jennifer D.
    Participant

    The most polite way to address the person in transition is by the gender in which they present themselves, i.e. a male becoming a woman would be addressed with feminine pronouns, and a female becoming a male would be addressed with masculine pronouns – unless of course they direct differently.

    User Detail :  

    Name : Jennifer D., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Bisexual, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Atheist, Age : 49, City : Lindenwold, State : NJ, Country : United States, Occupation : Sales, Education level : High School Diploma, 
    #30466

    David W.
    Participant

    I’ve only just realized to what extent it is that other behavior, not just courtesy titles, makes us feel respected. The appropriate eye contact, touches, kindnesses, inclusion in activities, social invitations, etc. make as much difference as the way we are addressed. Remember that what you are seeing is not a ‘man dressed as a woman,’ but a woman. Her body might not fit your image of a female, especially with the inevitable tricks that your memory will play on you, but she is a woman.

    User Detail :  

    Name : David W., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/English, Religion : Christian, Age : 46, City : London, State : NA, Country : United Kingdom, Occupation : Business Consultant, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 
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