Misgendering is when someone refers to an individual using a gender label that does not match their identity. This can include calling a transgender person by the wrong name or pronouns, assuming someone's sex based on appearance alone, or incorrectly categorizing people into binary genders such as "male" or "female." Misgendering has serious consequences for individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms, including increased risk of violence, discrimination, and mental health problems. Unfortunately, digital systems are also prone to misgendering, which contributes to systemic exclusion of nonbinary and transgender individuals.
Online forms often require users to select from a limited set of options for gender, such as "man," "woman," "other," or "prefer not to say." If a user selects "other" and enters "nonbinary" in the space provided, they may be rejected and forced to choose another option. Similarly, databases may require users to enter a binary gender marker, such as M/F or F/M, despite being aware of the existence of nonbinary identities. These choices often lead to misgendering and erasure of nonbinary individuals.
Misgendering can impact access to services.
Medical professionals may refuse to treat patients who have not presented with documents stating their desired pronouns. This leaves many nonbinary individuals vulnerable to mistreatment and disrespect during intimate moments.
School districts may require students to use certain bathrooms based on assigned birth sex rather than current gender identity, creating an unsafe environment for many youth.
Misgendering reinforces harmful stereotypes about nonbinary and transgender individuals. When our society allows for only two binary genders, it implies that people who don't fit into those categories are abnormal or wrong. Digital systems that continue to perpetuate this narrative contribute to the stigma around these identities, making them more difficult to accept and understand.
To address this issue, digital systems should include a wider range of gender markers and allow customization for each individual user. Designers should also work to create inclusive forms and language that reflect the diversity of human experience.
We must challenge ourselves to reconsider our assumptions about gender and recognize its fluidity and complexity. Only then will we be able to create a world where everyone feels seen and respected for who they truly are.
In what ways does misgendering in digital systems (e.g., forms, databases) contribute to systemic exclusion?
Misgendering in digital systems can have significant negative impact on trans individuals by reinforcing their gender dysphoria and discrimination. It is not uncommon for trans people to encounter situations where they are addressed by incorrect name and/or pronouns even though they provide accurate information about themselves when using services or interacting with others online.