Advocate.com – By Joanne Herman – An Advocate.com exclusive
Not sure what is “politically correct” when speaking with a transgender person? Here’s a primer on what to say. Part 11 in The Advocate’s ongoing Transgender 101 series.
Just after transition, I visited a social gathering of colleagues from a former employer. I was certain that the rumor mill had done its job, so I assumed everyone would know about me. But I was so wrong–almost no one knew! That was clear after a few greetings. A few people were amazed and welcoming, but most were speechless because they just did not know what they could say that would not offend me.
So what is “politically correct” when speaking with a trans person? Actually, the rules aren’t that much different from the rules you follow in talking with anyone else.