Trans Media Watch - Guidance for the Media

The first thing that is vital to understand is the terminology relating to this area.

Much language is routinely misused, causing misunderstanding or hurt. Sometimes this is because of an intrinsic hostility towards people who seem different; more often it is simply because of a lack of knowledge and experience.

When you are seeking to describe a trans person, the simplest way to get it right is to ask them how they would they prefer to be described (including the use of the pronoun with which they are most comfortable). This indicates respect for them and their experience. Bear in mind that their judgement over how they should best be described is likely to be better than yours and the information you might use to make a snap judgement about their gender may be simplistic, uniformed, or just plain wrong — however they ‘appear’. Assumptions are dangerous. Someone may display the physical characteristics of one gender but be living with the profound, painful and enduring knowledge that they are really of the other, or that they actually fit neither. This knowledge is very likely to have caused them great distress and confusion at various stages of their lives and it could be caused by chromosomal, hormonal or a number of other factors.

Getting it right: best practice in representing trans people and their lives

Defining terms

A brief glossary >

Derogatory, inappropriate or offensive terminology to avoid >

Approaches to avoid >

Why does any of this matter?

The dangers faced by trans people >

A right to be treated fairly >

Common misunderstandings

Keira's Story >