Exploring Gender Identity Cues in Email Signature Blocks: An Experimental Study

This study examines the effects of gender identity cues in email signatures on outcomes of misgendering, trait perceptions, social exclusion, and language use and how these effects are moderated by transphobia. Using a 3 x 2 between-subjects design, cisgender participants (N = 354) read and responded to a forwarded email containing gender identity cues in the signature block with varying pronouns (they/them, she/her, and he/him) and the trans flag emoji (present or absent). There were significant outcomes for social exclusion and language use but not misgendering or trait perceptions. Higher exclusion was associated with they/them and she/her pronouns. The trans flag emoji interacted with transphobia to reduce the use of power-related language as transphobia increased. Further, email signatures including the trans flag emoji directly influenced use of netspeak, or highly informal online language (e.g., u r gr8). Theoretical implications of transphobia and bias toward gender identity cues are discussed alongside practical implications.