Demi Lovato tells fans it's 'OK' to misgender them: 'It's important to me that you try'
- Demi Lovato told fans it's "ok" to misgender them as long as they correct themselves in a message on Instagram and Twitter.
- The singer, who came out as nonbinary in May, uses they/them pronouns.
- Lovato wrote "as long as you keep trying to respect my truth ... the shift will come naturally."
Demi Lovato said it's "OK" for fans to misgender them "as long as you keep trying to respect my truth" in a message they posted to Instagram and Twitter on July 13.
"If you misgender me, that's OK," Lovato shared on Twitter and Instagram.
"I accidentally misgender myself sometimes! It's a huge transition to change the pronouns I've used for myself my entire life. And it's difficult to remember sometimes!"
Lovato came out as nonbinary in May and uses they/them pronouns. The star has spoken openly about their gender identity in recent months, with celebrities like Lizzo expressing their support and even correcting paparazzi on their pronouns.
The singer said the intent is important to them when it comes to misgendering, or saying the wrong pronouns, when referring to them.
"I felt the need to post this because I often find that the change in pronouns can be confusing for some, and difficult to remember for others," they wrote. "It's all about your intention. It's important to me that you try, but if you make a mistake, it's okay."
Misgendering should be corrected with a short apology and adjustment to not put labor on the person who was misgendered
Insider previously reported that when you accidentally misgender someone, it's best to follow up with a swift apology. Over-apologizing can put the burden on the person who was misgendered to forgive you or make you feel better in the moment.
After you apologize, follow up with a quick correction, like "She - I'm sorry. They" and keep talking.
If you do so online, here is the exact email you need to send after you misgender someone in a professional setting.