Mara Keisling Speaking Out Against the Marriage Amendment

NCTE has three primary goals in terms of media coverage of transgender people and our issues.

1. Promoting fair, sensitive, accurate and respectful coverage of transgender people.
2. Providing resources to journalists.
3. Working with allies and journalists to assure positive protrayals of transpeople in the media.

NCTE Contact Information

Reporters and researchers: For comments and referrals to experts, please contact
Mara Keisling, NCTE Executive Director
202-903-0112
Email Mara

Basic Tips for Journalists

Pronoun Usage

The Associated Press Style Book (2000 Edition) says:

"Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics (by hormone therapy, body modification, or surgery) of the opposite sex and present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth. If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly."

Legal Names vs. Taken Names

As with pronouns, use the name preferred by the individual. If the preference is not expressed, use the name consistent with the way the individual has lived publicly. If necessary, refer to an individual's legal name (if different than their preferred name) once, then resume using their preferred name. Many transgender people change their first, middle or last names. Often this is accomplished through court-ordered name change, however, for various economic or legal reasons, many transgender people cannot legally change their name and must rely on legitimate common law name change or even pseudonym.

Other Resources for Journalists
Transgender Glossary of Terms, from The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) 2002 Media Reference Guide.
Suggestions for Fair, Accurate & Inclusive Coverage of Transgender People and Issues, from The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).