Welcome to the Emily club! I have always wondered what it would be like to NOT have such a common name! Pretty much my whole life, I’ve been one of several Emily’s in the room.

Another thing is that when people meet me, they often tell me about the other Emilys they know…”Oh, that’s my sister’s/daughter’s/cousin’s name.

Anyway, I teach grades 9–12 so I have a lot experience with students coming out as trans. I usually try to have a private conversation with them and say, “Listen, (trans name), I want you to know I am going to do my best to call you by this name, but there’s a chance I will make a mistake because I have a lot of things to keep track of and sometimes I’m forgetful. I want you to know that if I do mess up your name or pronouns, it’s not because I don’t believe in you or support you, it’s just a mistake.”

I don’t know what impact it has on my students, but it feels like the right thing to say. And I rarely mess up, but if I do, I hope this helps them know that it’s not intentional.