#transgenderfluid

Ah, deadnaming. One of the most common experiences of trans* people regardless of identity. It's also a common meme on transgender and non-binary forums across the internet.

So, what is deadnaming? Deadnaming is the practice of ignoring one's new, preferred or chosen name to use their old or birth name instead. It is a form of misgendering and, as such, can be purely accidental or intentional. Repeated intentional deadnaming is, in my opinion, transphobic.

Let's say someone comes out to you as trans or non-binary and tells you their new name and pronouns. You may not remember at first (nobody expects you to) but you should be able to remember after a few years, right? Even if you don't sometimes, that's fine! Just apologise, correct yourself and move on. If you choose not to do that and instead insist that the person's name is their dead (birth) name, you are deadnaming them and misgendering them. Also, don't pretend it never happened should you mess up. Even though the person you deadnamed may not immediately show you that they even care about you using the wrong name, they may be upset about it or at least a little annoyed. Acknowledge the mistake you made and correct it and all should be fine!

So, my fellow trans and NB people, what is your opinion on deadnaming? Does it phase you? Is it transphobic? Are memes about it relatable? Let me know down below!