How should journalists identify drag queens?
April 20, 2011 - 12:30 PM
By Amanda Hess
http://www.tbd.com/blogs/amanda-hess/2011/04/ap-drag-queens-gender-identity-transgender-pronouns-10378.htmlWhat pronoun should a reporter use to refer to a drag queen? Yesterday, AP editor David Minthorn took on the question in an online Stylebook chat. The question, posed by an unnamed New York publication: "We have a story on drag queens. Should they be referred to as 'him' or 'her'? This is a difficult decision."
Minthorn: "Using guidance in the Stylebook's 'transgender' entry, AP would follow the individual's stated preference. If not known, use the pronoun consistent with how the individual lives publicly."
That answer doesn't cut it for me. As the style guide of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association notes, while "drag queen" has a place under the trans umbrella, it shouldn't be considered "synonymous with transgender."
