How Should a Catholic refer to people who identify as transgender?

[Matthew91]

I’m involved in the field of education; recently my state has written into law “anti-bullying” and “anti-discrimination” measures that include students who identify as transgender. Under this law referring to a student as a he (when they “identify” as a she, and vice versa) and using their birth name instead of “preferred” name (e.g. Bruce instead of Caitlyn), can be considered bullying, harassment, discrimination and grounds for being fired if you are a teacher and in-school discipline if you are a student.

I’ve considered simply using the neutral “they” rather than he or she, and even simply using last names as identifiers. I don’t want to give the appearance of believing something that doesn’t conform to Church teaching on such issues, on the other hand I don’t want to cause such students added pain and potentially get fired over this issue in the future. How should a Catholic deal with situations like this? Is it morally permissible to use their “new name” if it’s something the parents and school administration acknowledge?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

I suggest that you call the person by the term or name that the person requests. To do so does not mean that you agree with the choices the person has made regarding the name. Non-Catholics do this when they address a priest as “Father.” Catholics do this when addressing a rabbi. It’s a matter of civility. Refusing to comply with the person’s request only causes rancor and resentment.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.