Question

G2G: I have a family member that was born male but identifies as female so do I use her birth gender?

Comments

Hi Ivy. Take a look to this post

https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/336001/how-do-we-enter-transgender-profiles

Answer 1

When in doubt, ask them what they want. And respect their wishes. I'm pretty sure this is the basic rule in life, and especially if you're going to be posting stuff about someone (especially someone living!) on the internet.

If you are linking to a birth record, and the gender is different there, make a note. If there are kids later on, and it's complicated because (say) both parents are female---ask what the people involved want you to do.

Comments

One tiny additional note to Brad's excellent answer: include asking if she's Ok with you outing her. Many trans people - trans women, in particular - can experience real economic hardship via job discrimination, housing discrimination, etc. as well as harassment or violence for simply being who they are. Thanks!

Answer 2

Hi Ivy, I think this came up in conversation recently and the person decided to put the gender identified with but also added a note in the biography so that if people are searching for sources prior to transitioning they will be able to find them. Hope this helps :-)

Answer 3

As she's alive I'd use the not sure of gender myself, but a case can be made either of the others.  Since this is a genealogy site, the birth gender is the most useful, but since 'she's' alive and would probably take offence you can make it female and depending on the profile privacy level and if there are any children involved  that would show to the public, make a tactful note in the biography for future generations.