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Four years ago I was writing a story following the death of Kayla Moore, a black trans woman, in Berkeley police custody. There was a small gathering of trans activists and others ahead of a court hearing related to the case. Myself and other reporters attended.
One person there spoke very passionately about the case and Mooreâs life, so a few of us asked to speak to her. When I took down her name, I asked her pronouns as well. She pulled me aside, and in an almost conspiratorial tone, said: âDo you know, youâre the only one who asked?â
My point: Ideally reporters should be in the habit of asking for pronouns as if it were a boilerplate question, like asking spelling of a name. But at a minimum, if you are covering anything LGBTQ-adjacent, get in the habit. Spare yourself and everyone else some embarrassment.
And yes, many things have changed since 2016. But if all the talk of inclusivity in journalism is serious, this is a good first step. I know it is awkward â but itâs for accuracyâs sake. (If you didnât know who Lindsey Graham is, what pronouns might you assume he uses?)
As a copy editor Iâve also been part of a minor crusade for more gender-neutral language. (Itâs now Senate Judiciary *Chair* Lindsey Graham, Assembly*member* Chad Mayes, etc.) This is for inclusivity/equality but also provides less room for awkward mistakes. Few downsides!
Again, I know this can feel strange or like splitting hairs. But I promise you, pronoun corrections are worse.
As an industry, journalism has a ways to go, but we can get this right 99.999% of the time, and thatâs something.
As an industry, journalism has a ways to go, but we can get this right 99.999% of the time, and thatâs something.
