Acknowledging Trans Identity — IRL And At Work

To acknowledge a person’s transgender identity is to affirm their existence — without caveats, conditions, or explanations. It’s not just about getting pronouns right. It’s about recognising someone’s humanity in a world that often tries to erase it.

What is gender dysphoria and why it matters

Gender dysphoria refers to the distress a person feels when their gender identity doesn’t align with the sex assigned at birth. Recognising and validating this experience is essential to supporting trans and non-binary people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The impact of being seen: Acknowledging transsexual identity

“For me, it’s everything,” says Ali, a 31-year-old trans woman (Name changed to protect identity). “When someone uses my name and pronouns without pausing or looking confused, it tells me they see me as I am. Not as I was. Not as they expect me to be.”

Ali transitioned ten years ago, and she’s used to navigating awkward conversations. “I’ve had people say, ‘Oh, I just forget sometimes,’ or ‘It’s too hard to remember.’ But the truth is, when someone really cares, they make the effort.”

“At my last job, HR updated my ID badge with my correct name, pronouns and photo within a day of me asking,” says Ali. “No drama, no questions. Just done. I didn’t realise how much tension I was holding in my body until that moment.”

Acknowledgement at work isn’t just about policy — it’s about practice. It shows up in meetings, email signatures, Slack channels, even bathroom signs. “A colleague once re-introduced me in a client call after someone misgendered me. She said, ‘Just a quick correction—she will take that up.’ It meant the world to me.” 

Outside work, it’s the same. “My best friend changed my contact name in her phone the day I told her. She was like, ‘That’s done. Anything else I should update?’’ That simple text brought me to tears.” It’s the small, everyday things that matter: being introduced correctly, not being questioned in the restroom, not having to explain your body or your past. “I’m not asking for special treatment,” Ali says. “Just for people to trust that I know who I am.”

What affirmation looks like in everyday life

Beyond emotional and social significance, there is a strong medical and psychological dimension to acknowledging a trans person’s identity.

Affirmation reduces psychological distress:

Studies show that consistent affirmation — such as using correct names and pronouns — significantly impacts mental health.
➔ Reduces risks of anxiety, depression, and suicidality.

Stress from misgendering:

Continuous misgendering and rejection can cause elevated cortisol levels.
➔ Leads to chronic stress.
➔ Increases risks of health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Positive impact of acknowledgment:

Being acknowledged can help lower stress levels.
➔ Enhances psychological resilience.
➔ Protects against trauma associated with discrimination.

Social acceptance improves health:

Social acceptance, particularly in workplaces and personal relationships, has been linked to better overall health.
➔ Leads to improved immune function.
➔ Promotes better sleep patterns and overall well-being.

In a world where figures with large platforms and public figures continue to dismiss or invalidate the experiences of the trans community, the medical community’s support and recognition become even more crucial. Research has highlighted that when medical professionals affirm a trans person’s identity — whether in the context of healthcare or during day-to-day interactions — it significantly improves that person’s health outcomes, reducing the likelihood of mental health crises and fostering a sense of peace and well-being.