You define yourself through your actions, not by what you say you are.
I’d argue you define yourself through both.
It’s not a sign of disrespect if someone doesn’t use your preferred pronouns
If you purposefully don’t use their preferred pronouns it is. In much the same way it’s a sign of disrespect to call someone a piece of trash to their face.
it’s that they’re more concerned with you being a good neighbor
You’re being the bad “neighbor” by purposefully using the wrong pronouns, but also, what?
People who purposely use your wrong pronouns are just assholes. I’m not talking about them. Just regular people. And your pronouns, or your name, or what skin color you have are just labels. Not who you are.
I’d argue you define yourself through both.
If you purposefully don’t use their preferred pronouns it is. In much the same way it’s a sign of disrespect to call someone a piece of trash to their face.
You’re being the bad “neighbor” by purposefully using the wrong pronouns, but also, what?
People who purposely use your wrong pronouns are just assholes. I’m not talking about them. Just regular people. And your pronouns, or your name, or what skin color you have are just labels. Not who you are.