Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in December 2021.
Misgendering in Medical Settings: A Growing Issue
Respecting people’s preferred names and pronouns is essential to honoring their identities. Unfortunately, many still resist this practice, often due to outdated beliefs or an outright dismissal of gender diversity.
Bennett Kaspar-Williams and His Struggles in the Hospital
Bennett Kaspar-Williams, 37, and their husband Malik, welcomed their son Hudson in October 2020 through cesarean section. At the time, Kaspar-Williams identified as male and used he/him pronouns. However, despite this, hospital nurses repeatedly misgendered him, referring to him as a mother instead of a father.
Navigating Gender Identity and Parenthood
Kaspar-Williams realized he was transgender in 2011 and began transitioning in 2014. While he underwent top surgery, he chose not to pursue lower body procedures. His experience with pregnancy and childbirth was both rewarding and challenging. Misgendering by the medical staff, despite Kaspar-Williams clearly indicating his gender on medical forms, highlighted the struggle for recognition that childbirth and gender identity should not be automatically linked.
Bennett Kaspar-Williams in the hospital holding their newborn baby, Photo Credit: bennettonpurpose/Instagram
Addressing the Need for Change
Kaspar-Williams expressed his distress over being misgendered during childbirth and shared his frustrations with the New York Post. He emphasized that being born with a uterus does not guarantee pregnancy, and people should not be defined solely by their ability to become mothers. He argued that “womanhood” should not be confined to “motherhood” since not all women become mothers, and not all mothers are women.
The Importance of Respecting Gender Identity
By separating bodily functions from gender identity, Kaspar-Williams’ story sheds light on the complexities of self-identification. His experience highlights the need for awareness and sensitivity, especially in healthcare settings. The respect for people’s chosen pronouns and names is vital for creating a more inclusive and respectful society.
A Call for Awareness and Change
Kaspar-Williams’ journey through pregnancy and childbirth is a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting gender diversity. It underscores the need for change in how we perceive and address gender in all aspects of life, particularly in healthcare. This story speaks to the broader implications for treating and respecting each other’s identities.
