Abstract

This paper examines the psychological and ethical implications of misgendering, understood as a form of microaggression that undermines the gender identity of trans* individuals. Drawing on psychological, medical, and philosophical literature, it explores how structural injustices and social gender norms contribute to the vulnerability of trans* people and affect identity formation. While scholars such as Dembroff and Wodak (2018) and Kapusta (2016) have already identified psychological harm as one reason to morally oppose misgendering, this study develops that argument by providing a more detailed analysis of its psychological impact. The paper evaluates Dembroff and Wodak’s twofold claim: a moderate duty not to misgender trans* individuals and a radical duty to eliminate gender-specific pronouns altogether. It endorses the moderate claim, while challenging the radical one, arguing that gendered language can play a crucial role in affirming personal identity. Finally, it calls for context-sensitive strategies to prevent misgendering and promote inclusive linguistic practices.