FA+
Shop
Little help regarding transgender names
5 years ago
I have a legitimate question regarding how to refer to a trans person pre-transition.
Say I have a transwoman friend who used to be called Max but now goes by Mabel. Which would be the more appropriate way to refer to Mabel pre-transition? "Mabel, back she was still Max" or "Mabel, back when she still went by the name of Max"? Or do I just exclusively call her Mabel and pretend the name Max never existed?
Honest answers are much appreciated!
EDIT: Thanks for all the honest suggestions!
Say I have a transwoman friend who used to be called Max but now goes by Mabel. Which would be the more appropriate way to refer to Mabel pre-transition? "Mabel, back she was still Max" or "Mabel, back when she still went by the name of Max"? Or do I just exclusively call her Mabel and pretend the name Max never existed?
Honest answers are much appreciated!
EDIT: Thanks for all the honest suggestions!
* -- I believe there are four genders: Male, Female, both (Hermaphrodite) and Neither.
If you must use the old name both examples are fine. But again the less it is used the better.
But when in doubt, ask. As long as you approach it in a spirit of understanding what they want, you won't cause offense.
You can always ask her what she prefers.