Respecting people’s preferred names and pronouns is a fundamental way to honor their identities. Yet, many continue to resist this practice due to outdated beliefs or dismissing gender diversity.

Bennett Kaspar-Williams, 37, and their husband Malik, welcomed their son Hudson in October 2020 via cesarean section. At the time, Kaspar-Williams identified as male and used he/him pronouns but now identifies as non-binary and uses both he/him and they/them pronouns. Despite this, hospital staff repeatedly misgendered him, referring to him as a mother instead of a father.

Kaspar-Williams had begun his transition in 2014, realizing he was transgender in 2011, and underwent top surgery. The experience of pregnancy and childbirth was rewarding yet difficult, especially when medical staff ignored his gender identity. This experience highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition of diverse gender identities and the need to separate womanhood from motherhood.

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting gender identity, especially in medical settings, where awareness and sensitivity are crucial.