Tag: Gender Neutral

What is DeadGendering? Offensiveness and Impact on people

Posted on by Jake

What is deadgendering?

Deadgendering occurs when an individual is referred to using incorrect gender pronouns or in relation to a past gender identity they have explicitly disavowed. This phenomenon closely resembles deadnaming, but instead of referencing the individual’s previous name, it specifically involves alluding to their former gender identity.

Misgendering, a related concept, transpires when someone improperly addresses a trans person by using gender pronouns inconsistent with their affirmed gender identity. Examples include referring to a trans woman as “he” or using masculine pronouns like “him” or “his,” or referring to a trans man as “she” or using feminine pronouns like “her.”

Additionally, designating someone as assigned female at birth (AFAB) or assigned male at birth (AMAB) can also be construed as a manifestation of deadgendering, as it implies an adherence to their initial assigned gender rather than recognizing their present identity.

Is deadgendering offensive?

the impact of deadgendering can be deep and deeply hurtful
Photo by Keenan Constance on Pexels.com

The act of misgendering or refering to someone by their dead gender can be deeply offensive, particularly when done deliberately or with malicious intent. Mistakes can also occur due to uncertainty about an individual’s comfort level regarding the disclosure of their previous gender identity. To navigate this sensitively, it is advisable to communicate openly with the person involved, asking them about their preferences and allowing them the agency to discuss their identity on their terms.

The impacts of Deadgendering on someone

The impact of referring to someone in their deadgender can be profound and multifaceted, affecting their emotional well-being, mental health, and overall sense of identity. Here are several key aspects of the impact:

  1. Emotional Distress: Referring to someone in their deadgendercan cause significant emotional distress for individuals, as it invalidates their affirmed gender identity. Being consistently misgendered may lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or anger, impacting one’s mental and emotional state.
  2. Mental Health Consequences: Persistent deadgendering can contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. It creates an environment where individuals may constantly battle against the erasure of their true identity.
  3. Undermining Self-Identity: Deadgendering undermines an individual’s self-identity by disregarding their expressed gender. This can lead to a sense of alienation and make it challenging for them to establish a genuine connection with their own identity.
  4. Social Isolation: Individuals who experience the wrong gender reference may withdraw from social interactions to avoid the distress associated with being consistently misgendered. This can result in feelings of isolation and a strained sense of belonging.
  5. Impact on Relationships: Misgendering can strain relationships, both personal and professional. When others consistently use incorrect gender pronouns, it may create tension and hinder effective communication, potentially leading to strained connections.
  6. Negative Impact on Mental Resilience: Constant deadgendering can erode an individual’s mental resilience over time. The cumulative effect of enduring such experiences may make it harder for them to cope with future challenges.
  7. Potential Physical Consequences: In extreme cases, the stress and emotional toll of deadgendering may contribute to physical health issues. Chronic stress has been linked to various health problems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being.

Who can be a victim of deadgendering?

Deadgendering can potentially affect individuals who are transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming. In general, anyone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth may be susceptible to deadgendering. Here are some categories of individuals who might experience Misgendering:

  1. Transgender Individuals: Those whose gender identity does not align with the sex assigned to them at birth may face deadgendering. For example, a trans woman may be deadgendered when referred to with male pronouns or associated with her previous male identity.
  2. Nonbinary Individuals: People who identify outside the traditional binary of male or female may experience deadgendering. Using binary pronouns (he/she) or assuming a specific gender identity for a nonbinary person can be a form of deadgendering.
  3. Gender Non-Conforming Individuals: Individuals whose gender expression does not conform to societal expectations or norms may also be subjected to misgendering. This can include people who challenge traditional gender roles or expressions.
  4. Those who have Transitioned: Individuals who have undergone a gender transition may be deadgendered if others continue to use language or references associated with their pre-transition gender identity.
  5. Individuals Who Have Changed Their Gender Identity: People who have changed their gender identity and publicly denounced their previous identity may experience deadgendering if others persist in referring to them using their old gender identity.

It’s essential to approach these matters with respect and understanding, recognizing that individuals may have unique experiences and feelings about their gender identity. This conversation is an ongoing and evolving one, and by engaging in open dialogue, we can contribute to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. For further exploration of LGBTQ+ terminology, check out our BIG LGBTQ+ GLOSSARY

20 awesome gender neutral names for babies

Posted on by Jake

Why would people choose gender-neutral names for their babies?

There are plenty of reasons why new and would-be parents might choose gender neutral names for their kids. Some of these are,

  1. Equality and inclusivity: Choosing a gender-neutral name can be a way to promote gender equality and inclusivity. By not immediately associating a name with a particular gender, parents can help break down gender stereotypes and allow their child to have more freedom to express themselves as they grow up.
  2. Flexibility: A gender-neutral name can give a child more flexibility in terms of how they choose to present themselves to the world. A name that doesn’t immediately signal a specific gender can give a child more options and allow them to choose their own identity as they grow up.
  3. Avoiding gender bias: In some cases, a gender-neutral name may help a child avoid potential gender bias, whether conscious or unconscious, that can come with having a traditionally gendered name. This could include bias in the classroom, in the workplace, or in other areas of life.
  4. Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of a child’s name is a personal one for each family. Some parents simply prefer gender-neutral names or feel that it suits their child’s personality or the family’s values and beliefs.

It’s important to note that there’s no one right way to choose a child’s name, and each family will have their own reasons for choosing a particular name. What’s most important is that the name feels meaningful and significant to the parents, and that it helps their child feel loved and supported as they grow up.

Here are some examples of gender-neutral baby names:

Avery
Bailey
Charlie
Dakota
Emerson
Finley
Harper
Jordan
Morgan
Peyton
Riley
Rowan
Skylar
Taylor
Sawyer
Quinn
Cameron
Casey
Hayden
Jamie


It’s important to note that some of these names may be more traditionally associated with one gender or the other, but have become increasingly popular as gender-neutral options in recent years. Additionally, there are many other names that could be considered gender-neutral, so these are just a few examples. Ultimately, the choice of a baby’s name should reflect the individual preferences and values of the parents or guardians.

Gender-neutral names are names that are not specifically associated with either male or female gender. These names can be used for individuals of any gender identity or expression.

Are there famous people with gender-neutral names?

Yes, there are several famous people with gender neutral names. Here are a few examples:

  1. Taylor Swift – American singer-songwriter
  2. Casey Affleck – American actor and filmmaker
  3. Jordan Peele – American actor, comedian, and filmmaker
  4. Morgan Freeman – American actor and filmmaker
  5. Jamie Lee Curtis – American actress and author
  6. Sam Smith – English singer-songwriter
  7. Jesse Tyler Ferguson – American actor and comedian
  8. Avery Brooks – American actor, singer, and director
  9. Cameron Diaz – American actress, author, and former model
  10. Alex Newell – American actor and singer

It’s important to note that while these individuals may have gender neutral names, they may still identify as male or female, or may identify as non-binary or gender-nonconforming.