I just came across this tweet in my news stream:
The Associated Press (@AP) tweeted at 7:31pm - 21 Jun 14:
From manners to terminology and more - five things to know about transgender people: apne.ws/1m8YbN8 (https://twitter.com/...)
The article itself is fairly bare bones but full of basic information.
I liked that they did point out what is rude to ask.
Katie Couric was called out in January after she pressed model Carmen Carrera for details about her gender transition and "private parts." Such questions are considered rude and intrusive. As Washington Post etiquette columnist Steven Petrow has noted, "It wouldn't be appropriate to ask a non-transgender person about the appearance or status of their genitalia, so it isn't appropriate to ask a transgender person that question either." Asking transgender people what their names were before they transitioned is similarly considered ill-mannered, as is failing to make an effort to use the pronouns they prefer.
There has been considerable media attention over the last few months about the subject of Transgender people. Mostly fueled by television shows that depict gender variant people. And true to form the Transgender community seized the opportunity to try and educate the public about what is and isn't polite discourse. Including the use of dehumanizing terminology.
This has of late created a firestorm as Transgender activists of all stripes attempt to voice their concerns and needs through the media to the public.
I was going to provide a link and excerpt to the AP Stylebook but like most academic level sources I can't breach the paywall. I was impressed in the early 2000's with their treatment of the subject and wanted to share it with you. I did find a small discussion of Chelsea Manning on their page though.
The use of the first name Chelsea and feminine pronouns in Manning’s case is in conformity with the transgender guidance in the AP Stylebook. The guidance calls for using the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.
Fortunately GLAAD has an available guide so we can see there are specific guidelines that should be followed.
PROBLEMATIC TERMS
Problematic: "transgenders," "a transgender"
Preferred: "transgender people," "a transgender person"
Transgender should be used as an adjective, not as a noun. Do not say, "Tony is a transgender," or "The parade included many transgenders." Instead say, "Tony is a transgender man," or "The parade included many transgender people."
Problematic: "transgendered"
Preferred: "transgender"
The adjective transgender should never have an extraneous "-ed" tacked onto the end. An "-ed" suffix adds unnecessary length to the word and can cause tense confusion and grammatical errors. For example, it is grammatically incorrect to turn transgender into a participle, as it is an adjective, not a verb, and only verbs can be used as participles by adding an "-ed" suffix.
Problematic: "sex change," "pre-operative," "post-operative"
Preferred: "transition"
Referring to a sex change operation, or using terms such as pre- or post-operative, inaccurately suggests that one must have surgery in order to transition. Avoid overemphasizing surgery when discussing transgender people or the process of transition.
DEFAMATORY TERMS
Defamatory: "deceptive," "fooling," "pretending," "posing" or "masquerading"
Gender identity is an integral part of a person's identity. Do not characterize transgender people as "deceptive," as "fooling" other people, or as "pretending" to be, "posing" or "masquerading" as a man or a woman. Such descriptions are defamatory and insulting.
Defamatory: "she-male," "he-she," "it," "trannie," "tranny," "shim," "gender-bender"
These words only serve to dehumanize transgender people and should not be used in mainstream media.
Defamatory: "bathroom bill"
A new term created and used by far-right extremists to oppose non-discrimination laws that protect transgender people. The term is geared to incite fear and panic at the thought of encountering transgender people in public restrooms. Use non-discrimination law/ordinance instead.
Unfortunately even in stories the AP promotes some of this language and judgementalism can be found when the subject is Transgender.