Misgender

To refer to a person using a name, pronouns, or gendered language that does not match their identity. Misgendering most commonly affects trans and non-binary people, but can affect anyone whose gender is assumed incorrectly.

Misgendering can be accidental (using outdated information) or intentional (refusing to respect someone's identity). Even when accidental, repeated misgendering causes real harm — it signals that the person's identity isn't being taken seriously and can trigger dysphoria.

What to do if you misgender someone: apologize briefly, correct yourself, and move on without lengthy justifications. What not to do: over-apologize, make the person comfort you, or argue about grammar. If you hear someone else misgender a person, politely correcting them helps — but only correct if the person wants you to.