Respecting people’s preferred names and pronouns is crucial, yet many still resist due to outdated beliefs or dismissal of gender diversity.
Bennett Kaspar-Williams, 37, and their husband Malik welcomed their son Hudson in October 2020. At the time, Kaspar-Williams identified as male and used he/him pronouns. However, despite this, hospital staff repeatedly misgendered him, calling him “mother” instead of “father,” which was deeply distressing.
Kaspar-Williams, who began transitioning in 2014 after realizing they were transgender, faced significant challenges with the medical staff’s failure to respect their gender identity during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite indicating “male” on medical forms, the misgendering persisted.
Kaspar-Williams highlighted the importance of separating womanhood from motherhood, stressing that not all women become mothers or carry children. Their experience underscores the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in medical settings, especially as we evolve toward a more inclusive society.
Kaspar-Williams’ story is a reminder that respecting people’s self-identified genders and pronouns is vital in fostering a respectful world.