What Is Misgendering?
Misgendering refers to referring to someone as the wrong gender identity they identify with. It can happen when you call someone a name that doesn't match their preferred pronouns or refer to them using incorrect gender-specific terms. Misgendering can make transgender people feel excluded, invalidated, and uncomfortable, leading to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This can even lead to physical harm if it leads to violence.
Why Misgendering In Workplaces is Harmful
In workplaces, misgendering can cause significant damage to the working environment. It makes the person who has been misgendered feel disrespected and dehumanized, making it hard for them to perform their job effectively.
Imagine an employee being called "she" all day when they identify as non-binary. This constant misgendering can be distracting and exhausting, affecting their productivity negatively.
Misgendering can lead to discrimination against trans employees. If a cisgender coworker repeatedly calls a trans colleague by their deadname (their birth name), this can create a hostile environment where other cisgender co-workers join in and make fun of the trans colleague. This can result in bullying, harassment, and even termination.
How To Avoid Misgendering
To avoid misgendering, you should learn about your colleagues' gender identities and respect their wishes regarding pronoun usage. You should also correct yourself if you mistakenly use incorrect pronouns or names. Use "they/them" pronouns instead of assuming someone's gender based on appearance or name. Be patient with those learning and willing to correct themselves.
Don't assume that everyone is cisgender. Assume nothing about anyone's gender identity until explicitly told otherwise, even if they present as traditionally masculine or feminine. This will help create a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe to express themselves freely.
Misgendering in workplaces is harmful because it causes emotional pain and excludes transgender people from the conversation. Respecting others' identities and using their preferred pronouns shows empathy, making them feel valued and included. By doing so, we can create safer and more welcoming work environments for everyone.
Why is misgendering in workplaces harmful?
Misgendering refers to the act of referring to someone by a gender that they do not identify with. This may be unintentional but can lead to harmful consequences for the individual involved. Misgendering at the workplace can create an environment where individuals are made to feel unwelcome due to their identity, which can impact productivity and creativity. It also reinforces negative stereotypes about transgender people and can make them feel marginalized.