"Trans issues" is a euphemism: Like culture war, the phrase trans issues is common shorthand in political reporting, standing in for the myriad ways in which trans people are politicized.

Reporting on anti-trans politics and policies benefits from clarity and specificity; euphemisms like trans issues provide neither. Consider: What is the trans issue at play in a given story? Let the answer to that question guide your language.

Language around transgender healthcare: Phrases like transgender medical care or transgender health care may be clearest for a lay audience.

Transgender health care is a very broad term, encompassing everything from family therapy to medication to surgery. Journalists should strive to use the clearest language possible, including the medically accurate names of surgeries and treatments where necessary.

Gender-affirming care defined: Gender-affirming care describes forms of medical care that trans people seek as part of their gender transitions. This may include counseling, puberty blockers and/or hormones, procedures like electrolysis, or surgery.

Gender-affirming medical care may also be used to refer to cosmetic or medical procedures pursued for gender affirmation regardless of whether the patient is transgender.

When past news coverage deadnames/misgenders a trans person: Do not proactively update previously published stories when someone quoted or referenced in a story changes their name or gender identity. We've added more detail on when and how to make these updates.