Background:Existing research demonstrates pronouns are a hallmark of gender identity and affirmation (Wentling, 2015). Although one’s gender identity is rooted in the concept of self, it is particularly true that perception of identity and self comes from the interaction of an individual with society. Considering the implications of binary-language (e.g., he or she), pronouns are a powerful tool for both empowering and reinforcing oppression when addressing transgender people. Although some trans-inclusive protocols in workplaces and schools attempt to minimize the occurrence of misgendering, trans and gender-queer people have confirmed that cisgenderism (centering of cisgenderness; which influences the occurrence of misgendering) heavily invade their spaces (Arun-Pina, 2021).
Misgendering can have an overt or covert effect towards the trans or gender-nonconforming (GNC) person, causing them to be subjected to a linguistic and political form of oppression (Kapusta, 2016). In particular, the language around what is considered a woman and whether her pronouns will be used has been polarizing in contemporary media and research. As defined by Sue and colleagues (2020), a microaggression is considered frequently occurring verbal or nonverbal remarks, insults, or implications that specifically target a marginalized group based on the ‘othered’ characteristics in their group. In modern feminism (Kapusta, 2016), the hierarchy of the oppression of women often put trans women towards the bottom of the pyramid, causing them to be vulnerable to microaggressive gestures such as deadnaming (using a trans person’s birthname or pre-transition name) or misgendering. While the effects of misgendering’s negative effects are understood, what is unclear is what influences misgendering in day to day interactions. One hypothesis may be that perceived gender expression overrides a declared pronoun. For example, a trans woman who identifies as “she/her” may be misgendered as “he/him” due to her gender expression not being perceived as “matching” with her pronouns (Kapusta, 2016).
Purpose: The research will be used to understand the way varying perceived feminine and masculine traits affect a person’s ability to accurately use pronouns. The research question is: Is there a significant difference in participant pronoun inaccuracy among transgender women who appear to match their declared pronouns versus those who do not?
Research Aims:This research project studying the occurrence of misgendering towards transgender women seeks to determine if and which physical features influence these microaggressive incidents. Using the results from the aforementioned research, the researchers hope to understand the type of training that can be incorporated to increase the accuracy of using correct pronouns while addressing trans or GNC people.
How can you help?
We are currently in the process of running our experiment and are recruiting participants for our study! If you are interested in gaining experience in running a research study on misgendering, please consider joining the team!
Gibbs, M., **^Campbell, K., & Papa, L.A (2023, July 13-15). The influence of physical features regarding misgendering. In L. A. Papa (Chair), Experiences of minoritized people: A cross cutting look at microaggressions [Symposium]. A symposium presentation at the 7th Biennial APA Division 45 Society for the Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race Research Conference, San Diego, CA, United States.