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| === Use proper language and pronouns === | | === Use proper language and pronouns === |
| <p><small>This only applies to people who would like people to use gender-inclusive language, but otherwise, it is still more polite not to use language that would suggest a false gender.</small></p>
| | * If someone asks you to use specific language such as gendered nouns and pronouns, use it! It may be difficult for you to change the way you speak, but if you put effort in, it will show. Practice in your head and try your best to change the way you think about the other person, this will make language come more naturally. |
| <p>For parents and friends of [[nonbinary]] people, it can be difficult to think of your friend or child as who they are, but you should try to think about them that way. When talking to oneself about another person, it is better for the person not to misgender them silently, since they will probably be more likely to speak incorrectly. A person who thinks of another as the wrong gender but tries not to misgender them is being dishonest and sneaky. If you think about your friend and child correctly and without delusion, it will prevent accidental or intentional [[misgendering]], which will lessen their suffering. Imagine a world where everyone calls you by the wrong pronoun and labels you as the wrong gender, then everyone else who hears people talk about you assumes you are the gender associated with that pronoun and treats you that way. It would certainly be stressful.</p>
| | * In an ideal world, you would always get things right, but you are bound to slip up now and again. If you accidentally [[misgendering|misgender]] someone, don't make a big deal about it. Quickly apologize, correct yourself, and move on. Drawing more attention to a mistake by profusely apologizing or justifying yourself will only make the other person more uncomfortable. |
| <p>Second, do not dare to use gender-specific language inappropriate to your friend/child's true identity behind their back. The first reason for this is the fact that it is simply impolite to talk about a person behind their back, and second, no one wants to give a bad impression of their friends. It is offensive to use gender-specific language which does not apply to a person, so do not do it.</p>
| | * Keep in mind that the language you use in front of a person, should be the same language you use when they aren't in the room. This is not only polite, it goes a long way to keeping [[transgender]] people safe in potentially [[transphobia|transphobic]] spaces. |
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| === Don't give unsolicited advice === | | === Don't give unsolicited advice === |
