Is it Disrespectful to Avoid Pronouns for a Transgender Co-worker?

Transitioning from one gender to another can be a challenging experience, both for the individual and for those around them. In a conservative industry, one person’s attempt to adapt to a co-worker’s transition has sparked a debate about whether avoiding gender-specific pronouns is disrespectful or a considerate way to avoid misgendering.

Meet Bob: A Brave Transition

Apologies in Advance

Struggling with Pronouns

Bob’s Patience

A Unisex Name Solution?

Confidence and Privacy

Janet’s Opinion

Sharing the Struggle

Disrespectful?

Seeking Clarity

Bob’s Absence ‍♂️

The Verdict? ⚖️

Edit: Thanks and Improvement

Future Pronoun Plans

Avoiding Pronouns: Disrespectful or Considerate?

Our protagonist struggles with using the correct pronouns for their recently-transitioned co-worker, Bob. In an effort to avoid misgendering, they decide to use Bob’s name instead of pronouns. When another colleague, Janet, claims this is disrespectful, our protagonist is left questioning their approach. With Bob unavailable for clarification, the question remains: is avoiding pronouns a thoughtful gesture or a dismissal of Bob’s journey?

Trans person approves avoiding pronouns, Janet is a tiny AH.

Using correct pronouns takes time, caring for them is important

Practice using proper pronouns to avoid unintended disrespect.

Trans person explains importance of using correct pronouns at work. ✅

Defending the use of Bob’s name, NTA comment shuts down critic.

Making an effort to use correct pronouns is important. NAH.

Respecting pronouns is important, but Janet is creating unnecessary drama.

Supportive coworker adjusts to trans colleague’s pronouns, offers advice for OP.

Using someone’s preferred name isn’t disrespectful. Just ask Bob!

Struggling with pronouns for a transgender co-worker? Don’t worry, NAH.

Respecting a transgender coworker by avoiding pronouns is NTA

Using only first names may preserve privacy, but highlights differences. NAH.

Trans man shares his perspective on using correct pronouns.

Using a coworker’s name as a substitute for pronouns is acceptable

Janet’s performative wokeness called out by commenter.

Using correct pronouns is hard, but NTA for trying.

Supportive co-worker adjusts language to respect transgender colleague’s transition.

Effort to use correct pronouns appreciated by NAH commenter ❤️

Learn to use their pronouns to avoid disrespecting them.

Mistaken pronoun use is forgivable, Janet is the a**hole

Respectful use of names > forced use of pronouns.

Mistakes happen, NTA. Bob wouldn’t be hurt, don’t worry

Trans man appreciates use of name instead of pronouns.

Respectful approach to pronouns for transgender co-worker.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to using correct pronouns

Using someone’s name as a first step towards using pronouns.

Don’t let busybodies police your speech. NTA

Respecting names is enough; pronouns are confusing and complex. NTA.

Using correct pronouns can be difficult, but effort is appreciated. NTA.

A parent of a trans child shares support for using correct pronouns ❤️

Using a trans person’s name is respectful, NTA for doing so

Respectful use of name, Janet projecting discomfort. NTA.

Using nongendered pronouns is a respectful solution for everyone involved.

Respectful intent matters, follow Bob’s lead on pronouns.

Using correct pronouns is important, practice on your own

Practice using correct pronouns for trans co-worker. Apologize if needed.

Respecting someone’s pronouns is important, even if it takes time. NTA.

Using preferred pronouns is appreciated but not necessary, NTA.

Fighting against a non-issue, much like the offended white people

Playing it safe with pronouns for trans co-worker – NTA

Using chosen name isn’t disrespectful. Patience needed during transition period.

Respecting someone’s identity is not a burden. NTA

Avoiding pronouns for trans co-worker may not be helpful

Support for using correct name and pronouns, with a fiery ending

Avoiding pronouns is not disrespectful, but gossiping is a**hole-ish

Respect Bob’s pronouns, ask for them if unsure.

Using “they” as a transition is helpful for pronoun changes.

Using chosen name is effective way to train for pronouns.

Respectful intentions, ask Bob for preferred pronouns.

Ask for their preference and use their name as a stopgap ‍♀️

Using ‘they’ as a default isn’t disrespectful, NTA wins

Respecting transgender identity: NTA for avoiding pronouns, speak to Bob.

Respect trumps pronouns for trans co-worker. NTA ️‍

Respecting pronouns is important, but intentions matter too. NAH.

Emphatic agreement with NTA, no need to use pronouns.

Respecting pronouns is important, but ultimately up to individual preference. NTA.

Respect Bob’s pronouns even when he’s not around. NTA.

Using ‘they’ instead of gendered pronouns for trans co-workers.

It’s okay to struggle with pronouns, just work on it

Transitioning to gender-neutral language shows effort towards inclusivity

Using someone’s name isn’t disrespectful. NTA for avoiding pronouns.

Respectful approach to using correct pronouns for transgender co-worker.

Respecting pronouns is important, but Janet needs to back off.

Using gender-neutral pronouns like ‘they’ can make communication easier.

Respectful effort to use correct pronouns, with room for error

Respectful use of gender-neutral pronouns appreciated by trans co-worker

Practice makes perfect when it comes to using correct pronouns

Trying to respect a transgender co-worker, but struggling with pronouns

Retraining our language takes time, NAH for trying.

NAH. Use correct pronouns, but calling by name is okay

Respectful post about using correct pronouns for transgender co-worker.

Trans commenter suggests using name instead of pronouns, NTA.

Using a coworker’s name or neutral pronouns is respectful

Respecting pronouns takes time, but NTA for trying.

Using correct pronouns while avoiding harm to co-worker. NTA

Respectful use of names over pronouns, NTA.

Respecting a transgender co-worker, NTA for avoiding pronouns.

Respecting preferred name shows respect for transgender co-worker’s identity.

Respecting preferred pronouns is key, NTA for making effort