# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The actress has appeared in TV shows and films such as “Saved by the Bell” and “Moxie,” as well as multiple other shows before and after her transition. Josie Totah’s story is profound and sentimental in many ways; her article, “My Name Is Josie Totah — And I’m Ready to Be Free,” by the Times Magazine, showcases her journey of transitioning and becoming her new self. It also highlights her embracing her true identity after years of hiding and feeling mislabeled as a gay boy in the entertainment industry.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2018, Josie Totah came out as transgender and subsequently changed her first name to align with her new identity. In the article created by Times Magazine, she stated, "When my friends and family call me Josie, it feels like I’m being seen," emphasizing how crucial it is for everyone to feel understood. Her points and inclusion of religion are touching, as words like these can help others in various ways. As she said, "I have come to believe that God made me transgender. I don’t feel like I was put in the wrong body. I don’t feel like there was a mistake made. I believe that I am transgender to help people understand differences. It allows me to gain perspective, to be more accepting of others, because I know what it feels like to know you’re not like everyone else." By embracing her identity and no longer using her previous name, "Joseph Totah," Josie embodies the concept of "deadnaming," as this term denotes the previous name of a transgender individual that they no longer use as they transition to their genuine identity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The actor has appeared in many films and TV shows such as "Juno" and "The Umbrella Academy", but most importantly, he is the author of his book called "Pageboy". Written by Elliot Page, this memoir intimately showcases the actor's path of self-discovery and journey of coming out as transgender. It offers a genuine, heartfelt, and inspiring narrative.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2020, Elliot Page came out as transgender and subsequently changed his first name to align with his new identity. By no longer using his previous name, "Ellen Page," Elliot Page exemplifies the concept of "Deadnaming." This term refers to the former name of a transgender person that is no longer in use as they transition to their authentic identity.

# data[].attributes.body
This meme is both funny and looked upon as confusing. It clearly shows that when a cis-male (a term meaning that whatever gender you are now is the same as what was presumed for you at birth) tells people to call him a funny name, everybody will just go along with it as if it's a cool and casual thing to do. However, when a transgender person simply would like people to call them by their new preferred name rather than their dead name, suddenly it's considered "silly" or too hard for people to do so as a common courtesy. Why is that so confusing and hard for people to follow?

# data[].attributes.body
This meme evokes mixed emotions—it's both a bit sad and a bit exciting for two reasons. The top part of the meme depicts the perspective of a transgender person encountering someone using their dead name. However, the situation shifts when they discover that the person they met is also trans, creating a happier environment. They learn that the new trans person they met changed their name to fit their new identity, and it happens to be a name that was similar to the first person's old identity.

# data[].attributes.body
The article "Gender 101: Avoiding Misgendering and Deadnaming" by the Uplift Center for Grieving Children offers valuable guidance on respectful language usage regarding gender identity. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding misgendering and deadnaming individuals, stressing the significance of using preferred pronouns and names to affirm their gender identity. Additionally, the article highlights the crucial role of using correct pronouns and names for the mental well-being of individuals. It provides practical steps to become a supportive ally, focusing on education, advocacy, and active listening. Overall, the article promotes a more inclusive and respectful dialogue surrounding gender identity by offering practical strategies for understanding and addressing misgendering and deadnaming.

# data[].attributes.body
This article explores the topic of deadnaming, covering what it entails, why it is harmful, and providing information on how to handle instances of deadnaming. Understanding deadnaming is essential because respecting individuals' old and new identities presents significant challenges during transitions. Transitioning individuals undergo a daunting and often isolating process, reflecting on a new name and changing it from their old one, which can evoke intense emotions and trauma associated with their former identity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Deadnaming is when a person intentionally or accidentally calls a transgender or nonbinary person by a name they don't use anymore, often their birth name. Deadnaming is a form of discrimination and a microaggression against transgender and nonbinary people.

This article will define deadnaming, discuss why it's harmful, and offer information on what to do if you deadname someone or are being deadnamed.

Why It's Harmful

Transgender and nonbinary people are often at risk of psychological, emotional, and even physical harm, and they commonly lack support from family or friends.

Deadnaming can put people at risk by outing the person to the public or sending a message that they are not accepted in their new gender identity. Deadnaming can make a person feel invalidated. It can also be psychologically harmful and even put the person's life at risk.

What Are "Transgender" and "Nonbinary"?

Why It Matters

Choosing a name other than the one assigned at birth is part of finding a new identity for a transgender or nonbinary person. For many people, transitioning to a different gender identity is a challenging, lonely, and even scary process. After a person chooses a new name, being called by their birth name can be emotionally triggering and can be taken as a form of aggression or nonacceptance.

Referencing a Person's Past

What to Do If You Deadname Someone

Even the most well-intentioned people can make mistakes, and adjusting to a person's newly chosen name can take time for those who have known them by their birth name.

If you accidentally deadname someone, apologize right away. Be brief in your apology, and be sure not to overdo it. Once you've noted your mistake, move forward and try to be more aware so you don't repeat the mistake.

What to Do If You Are Being Deadnamed

If someone deadnames you once or twice, you can quickly correct them in the moment if you are comfortable doing so. If the behavior continues or you are uncomfortable confronting the person, try asking a trusted ally to correct the person later on your behalf.

If you are in a situation in which you don't feel safe or empowered to say something, consider seeking support from a hotline or organization to get advice on what to do.

Helpful LGBTQIA+ hotlines include:

Deadnaming is when someone calls a transgender or nonbinary person by a former name, most often their birth name, after they've chosen a new one. It's a form of discrimination and invalidates a person's identity by sending a message of nonacceptance; it is psychologically damaging and can put the person at risk by outing them to others. Changing a name is often a long and complicated process, and hearing a former name can be triggering.

If you accidentally deadname someone, apologize quickly. Be careful not to make a big deal of it and avoid doing it again. If you are being deadnamed and are comfortable correcting the person, gently do so in the moment. If you are uncomfortable or do not feel safe or empowered to correct the person or persons, ask an ally for help or contact a hotline to find support and advice.

A Word From Verywell

Deadnaming can be a painful reminder of traumatic experiences and can introduce new psychological harm. If you deadname a trans or nonbinary person, apologize quickly. If you witness someone being deadnamed or you see someone is in an unsafe situation, ask them whether they'd like any help. Be prepared to respect their decision and to act if they say yes.

And, if you are being deadnamed or feel alone, stuck, or unsure about how to handle the situation, know that you are not alone and that many resources are available to support you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is Deadnaming and What Are Its Effects?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Deadnaming occurs when a person calls a transgender person by their previous name. Learn more about why it's harmful.

# data[].attributes.body
This tweet discusses the social media app "X," formerly known as Twitter, which has been significant for many years. Despite the name change, people still predominantly remember and refer to it as Twitter. The tweet highlights how this instance of deadnaming is somewhat accepted because of the app's longstanding association with its previous name.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
the only time deadnaming is okay https://t.co/AAmShgeZyt

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
the only time deadnaming is okay https://t.co/AAmShgeZyt

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.referenced_tweets[].text
Do you still call it Twitter or do you call it X? https://t.co/Ma6p9qQ8Y7

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
the only time deadnaming is okay https://t.co/AAmShgeZyt
— erin | ✨🦕 #yappingbiggieburners (@narniaghostface) March 5, 2024

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
the only time deadnaming is okay https://t.co/AAmShgeZyt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.includes.tweets[].text
Do you still call it Twitter or do you call it X? https://t.co/Ma6p9qQ8Y7

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
the only time deadnaming is okay https://t.co/AAmShgeZyt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
the only time deadnaming is okay https://t.co/AAmShgeZyt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.referenced_tweets[].text
Do you still call it Twitter or do you call it X? https://t.co/Ma6p9qQ8Y7

# data[].attributes.body
This tweet discusses Caitlyn Jenner, a celebrity who was part of the popular reality show "The Kardashians" and is the parent of celebrities Kylie and Kendall Jenner. During her time on the show, Caitlyn Jenner discovered her true identity after many years of reflection. She transitioned and embraced her new life. As a celebrity, she is not universally liked due to her controversial viewpoints. However, she is a human being who deserves respect for her identity. The tweet emphasizes that misgendering and deadnaming Caitlyn Jenner is transphobic. Critics should focus on her controversies rather than her gender. It's worth noting that Caitlyn Jenner is open about her life as "Bruce Jenner" and does not deny her past; she simply prefers her new life and identity.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Yes, Caitlin Jenner is not a great person. No, I don't like her.

But misgendering her and deadnaming her is transphobic. She probably won't see your tweets but your trans friends will.

Stick to the problematic things she has done. Not her gender.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Yes, Caitlin Jenner is not a great person. No, I don't like her.

But misgendering her and deadnaming her is transphobic. She probably won't see your tweets but your trans friends will.

Stick to the problematic things she has done. Not her gender.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Yes, Caitlin Jenner is not a great person. No, I don't like her.

But misgendering her and deadnaming her is transphobic. She probably won't see your tweets but your trans friends will.

Stick to the problematic things she has done. Not her gender.
— Dr. Amy, Psy.D. (@DrAmyPsyD) April 25, 2021

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Yes, Caitlin Jenner is not a great person. No, I don't like her.

But misgendering her and deadnaming her is transphobic. She probably won't see your tweets but your trans friends will.

Stick to the problematic things she has done. Not her gender.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Yes, Caitlin Jenner is not a great person. No, I don't like her.

But misgendering her and deadnaming her is transphobic. She probably won't see your tweets but your trans friends will.

Stick to the problematic things she has done. Not her gender.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Yes, Caitlin Jenner is not a great person. No, I don't like her.

But misgendering her and deadnaming her is transphobic. She probably won't see your tweets but your trans friends will.

Stick to the problematic things she has done. Not her gender.

# data[].attributes.body
This TikTok showcases how an LGBTQ person demonstrates their disregard for trivial matters such as labels. However, when it comes to people addressing them by their dead names, it triggers anger in them. This is because deliberately using someone's dead name, despite knowing they have changed it, is disrespectful, rude, and uncaring.

# data[].attributes.body
This TikTok depicts a mother intentionally deadnaming her daughter to determine if she is a member of the LGBTQ+ club. She asks the teacher about her daughter's whereabouts, using her dead name "Hannah Watson." The teacher confirms that there is no student by that name, prompting the mother to inquire about the club her daughter is supposed to attend. Upon learning that the student named "Quinn" is at the Bible club, the teacher emphasizes the importance of addressing individuals by their correct names. This highlights that identifying someone by their wrong name will not lead to the desired outcome, but addressing them by their correct name will encourage them to engage appropriately.