Protip: for any cis people who don’t already know, the phrase “this person” is an extremely obvious way transhobes often degender and/or misgender trans people. you should generally not use that phrasing. especially if you are criticizing someone who happens to be trans.

i use this phrase when the identity of the person is a complete unknown due to no pronouns and no gender signifiers in their name or their pfp i've seen plenty of cis people use this on trans women who's pronouns are clearly displayed

Even if your professor is one of those assholes who believes "they" is not a proper pronoun in academic writing. There are plenty of ways to keep it gender neutral without using transphibic dog whistles.

This is really good to know. Thanks Sage it makes so much sense.

Thank you, I was completely unaware.

not really the point, but that's an oil filter not a silencer

Wasn't aware of that, but good to know, to avoid giving offense.

If your ever not sure; it takes ten seconds to double-check and not be an asshole

I'm sure that I've used this without knowing how it comes off in the past. Didn't ever occur to me that it could be hurtful. I appreciate the heads up and I'll be much more careful with it going forward.

Dave targeting Siobhan but hitting Bitesu because he’s got that Republican Trump shooter energy.

"They" exists for when you are unsure "This person" feels like it is only used in a very combative way period and even more so when used towards a trans person. And really at that point. Just use "This asshole/fucker", you can make your point then without being a bigot