Why are there two names on your CV?
I identify as a nonbinary transmasculine person, meaning I define my gender as somewhere between male and female. I use the personal pronouns they, them, theirs and themself. Nonbinary people may use a variety of pronouns and have a variety of gender presentations.
Genders outside male and female are not anything new. Multiple genders have been around throughout human history, but a racist and patriarchal conception of binary gender, which has been imposed on indigenous cultures around the world, attempts to erase this fact of gender diversity. I believe in what Alok Vaid-Menon has called “gender self-determination,” the ability to decide one’s own gender regardless of what was decided at one’s birth. I believe all genders should be welcomed and celebrated with respect for the people who hold those genders, and that all people should have access to health care that includes affirming gender-related care.
Though not all genderqueer and/or nonbinary people identify as trans, I understand being nonbinary is part of my transgender experience. This includes changing my name and pronouns to fit my gender identity. While I want to be open about my transition and the names and pronouns I have used throughout my career, it is also important to me to be addressed by my current name and pronouns.
If you have any questions about my gender, name, pronouns, or my experience with nonbinary, genderqueer, or transmasculine identity, please do not hesitate to ask! I welcome the chance to discuss these issues with you.
How do I cite you with your multiple names?
When you cite me, I hope you will use my current name, Teddy Pozo, as the main name in your bibliography or notes section. You may include other names if necessary, but please use the phrase “writing as” or something similar to indicate this former name is the name I used to publish the piece, but not my current name. For example, here is a possible citation for my first published academic article:
Pozo, Teddy [writing as Diana M.], “War Games at Home, Home Games at War: Geography and Military First-Person Shooting Games,” Mediascape (Winter 2011).
Citing my true name is an excellent way to show me that you respect me as a trans scholar. Thank you for reading my work!