DEAR ALEX: What Should I Do When I Misgender Someone?

Dear Alex: How do I go about fixing myself when I misgender someone?

– Curious

Dear Curious: When someone tells you their gender identity, you should respect their gender identity and pronouns. You do this by addressing them with their chosen pronoun and name.

If you misgender someone and it was an honest mistake, meaning you did not intentionally misgender them. Don’t make it a huge deal. You could either correct yourself on the spot, or quickly apologize when the two of you are alone.

Also, make sure that the person knows that it was an honest mistake and that you did not do it intentionally. It’s critical to make a conscious effort to remember their pronouns and apologize and correct yourself when you misgender them.

I hope this helps!

– Alex