So, you want to talk about trans people

A note about “correct” language

One useful thing to keep in mind when reading about trans-inclusive language is that there isn't always a single, universally agreed-upon set of rules. Language changes, communities differ, and individual people can have different preferences.

For that reason, it can be more useful to think about questions such as:

• How do different people use language to express their gender?

• How do pronouns work in actual conversation?

• How does language change when communities adopt new terminology?

• What happens when someone's language for themselves changes over time?

• How do institutional settings—schools, workplaces, healthcare, and the media—shape the language available to trans people?

In other words, trans-inclusive language isn't just a list of words to memorize.

Blog posts by linguists

• Language matters: An introduction to trans-inclusive language — Lal Zimman, PhD
  An accessible introduction to the relationship between language and trans identities, with particular attention to how language can affirm or marginalize transgender people.

• ASK A LINGUIST ABOUT… PRONOUNS! — Kirby Conrod, PhD
  A linguistics-based discussion of pronouns and why pronoun use is more complicated—and more interesting—than simply memorizing a list of “correct” pronouns.

• pronouns 102: how to stop messing up pronouns — Kirby Conrod, PhD
  A practical follow-up focused on navigating pronoun mistakes and developing better habits around pronoun use.

More blog posts

• A Guide to Practicing Gender-Neutral Pronouns, For Well-Meaning Cis Friends and Family — Samantha Allen and Quispe López
  A practical guide for people who want to become more comfortable using gender-neutral pronouns.

• “Pronouns: A Guide from the LGBT Life Center”
  An introductory resource for understanding personal pronouns and why they matter.

Linguistics & gender

• The Gender in Language Project
  A useful collection of resources exploring how gender is represented across languages.

• Linguistic Society of America Statement Guidelines on Inclusive Language
  

Pronouns

• Pronouns.org
  An accessible introduction to personal pronouns, including gender-neutral pronouns and ways to practice using unfamiliar pronouns.

• MyPronouns.org
  A practical resource explaining pronouns and providing guidance for introducing and sharing pronouns in different settings.

• The Trevor Project: Understanding Gender Pronouns
  An introductory resource particularly useful for people who are new to conversations about pronouns and gender identity.

Trans-inclusive language guides

• GLAAD Media Reference Guide
  A comprehensive guide to terminology related to LGBTQ people, including transgender terminology and suggestions for respectful language.

• National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
  Resources on transgender terminology, identity, and respectful communication.

• PFLAG
  Offers guides for families, friends, educators, and others who want to better understand transgender and gender-expansive people.

• Trans Journalists Association Stylebook
  Particularly useful for thinking about how journalists and writers should discuss transgender people, identities, and experiences.