Using someone’s preferred name and pronouns is a key way to show respect for their identity. Yet, many still resist this, often holding on to outdated norms.
Bennett Kaspar-Williams, 37, from Los Angeles, gave birth to son Hudson via C-section in October 2020, supported by husband Malik. Though identifying as male and using he/him pronouns at the time (now identifying as non-binary and using both he/him and they/them), Bennett faced repeated misgendering by hospital staff, who labeled him a “mother.”
Bennett began his transition in 2014 after realizing he was transgender in 2011. To start a family, he paused testosterone therapy and conceived naturally. Though at peace with carrying a child, he was disheartened by the medical system’s gender assumptions.
Despite clearly identifying as male on forms, staff continued to misgender him. He later spoke out about the need to disconnect womanhood from motherhood, emphasizing that not all women can or want to be mothers — and not all who give birth are women.
Now a parent advocate, Bennett calls for more inclusive care and understanding of gender diversity in pregnancy and parenting.