Sensitivity Reading

Sensitivity reading, also called authenticity reading, is the evaluation of a work based on a specific lived experience. This is useful in cases where an author is writing from the viewpoint of a character that has a different lived experience from their own (such as a cisgender person writing a transgender character) and is especially important when writing about marginalized identities from outside a direct experience.

Sensitivity reading helps to

• fact check

• identify internalized biases

• identify harmful or overused stereotypes or tropes

• ensure authentic voice

Sensitivity reading isn’t intended to censor or restrict. Rather, it’s meant to ensure that a piece of writing is coming from a place of compassion and humanity and to acknowledge that the choices we make and the words we choose can have unintended consequences.

During a sensitivity read, I’ll be reading your work from the perspective of my own lived experience. I will provide in-text commentary and a written report. I will not be changing any text during this process.

I offer sensitivity reading for the following white perspectives:

• trans masculine

• nonbinary

• late transitioning (transitioning as an adult)

• asexual

• social anxiety

What is it?

Who is it for?

Anyone writing for or about the lived experiences of marginalized identities should use a sensitivity reader. This includes authors writing characters with identities or backgrounds that differ from their own, especially when approaching that identity or background from a position of relative privilege.