In the year of 2023, Merriam-Webster, the oldest dictionary publisher in the U.S., declared “deadname” as one of its most defining words. “Deadname” refers to the name assigned to a transgender person at birth, but is no longer used by them. This term has seen a remarkable surge in searches, indicating its significance in societal dialogue.
In addition to “deadname,” Merriam-Webster brought attention to another standout word, “rizz,” which signifies romantic charm or appeal, and “deepfake,” defined as an altered image or recording used to misrepresent individuals. The increased interest in “deadname” coincided with states’ considerations of “parental rights” legislation, a policy that limits the teaching of LGBTQ topics and requires notification of name/pronoun changes.
This topic came to the fore in early 2022 when Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, popularly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. This law prevented classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, representing a broader wave of similar regulations across multiple states.
Research has demonstrated the positive impact of respecting trans people’s chosen names and pronouns on their mental well-being. The denial of this recognition has been associated with increased rates of depression and suicidal ideation. The effect was particularly pronounced among transgender and nonbinary youth.
Despite widespread recognition of the importance of acknowledging gender identity, some notable figures have contested this progress. For instance, Elon Musk’s actions as the new owner of Twitter, now renamed “X,” were met with controversy due to the removal of the platform’s ban on intentionally misgendering and deadnaming transgender individuals.
Overall, the evolving dialogue around LGBTQ issues is reflected in the language that is chosen and emphasized by Merriam-Webster. As we move forward, it is essential to continue fostering respectful and inclusive discussions around gender identity. For further details, the original article appeared on NBCNews.com.
