We need to regain the art of civil discourse and more practically, I don't think you change anyone's mind by calling them names.

I know many of my female friends do not like being referred to as "ladies."

When someone transitions you should refer to them by their new name both in the present and with references back in time.

The right to be married was hard earned by the marriage equality movement and one of its "perks" is the right to use the terms commonly associated with marriage; husband and wife are the two most common.

There's nothing you can say that won't make you seem ungrateful or rude.

Putting our heads in the sand is not a wise strategy.

To parents who find a child's disclosure about sexual or gender identity challenging, I always urge what I'd call "moderated" honesty. If you can't say "I love you," then say something like, "I'm going to need some time to digest this news." Buy time this way. And then think.