Monday, November 1, 2010

Read Your AP Stylebook, Rebecca Hall

Since 2001 the AP Stylebook has had this paragraph in it which states how to respectfully report on transgender people.

transgender-Use 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.   

If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.


Seems it's obvious that KTLA-TV reporter Rebecca Hall hasn't read that section of her AP Stylebook.

In a recent news report about an October 1 hate attack on a transperson outside a Hollywood nightclub she referred to a transman as a 'transgender woman'.


News flash for you, Rebecca.   A 'transgender woman'  is a transperson who lives in a female gender role like you do irregardless of the genitalia that may or may not be between their legs.

A 'transgender man' is a transperson who lives in a male gender role irregardless of the genitalia that may or may not be between their legs..   

Far too many times this year we've seen media people across the country screw it up, and the trans community is getting more than a little fed up with being misgendered and disrespected in news reports.  

Since the LA area has many transpeople in it and has for decades, I would suggest you get familiar with these concepts because it won't be the last time you file a news report involving a transperson.