What is with so many of you referring to Manning with male pronouns

[Tien1985]

202. Hi, it sounds

Like you are just asking in earnest, so I wanted to present the other side in earnest.

No "he/she" is not a good way to refer to Manning, because it would be offensive. Once someone has made their pronoun preference clear it is considered very offense to refuse to use that pronoun. It is generally given some leeway if, for instance you've know someone for a long time, and they just tell you, obviously that's just a mistake. It's the difference between saying "he, uh, I meant she" and "He is a he technically, and I'll say what I want, herp derp". One is a mistake and one is just determined ignorance.

Because pronoun usage can be such a painful topic in the lives of trans* people, refusing to use the right pronoun in this case is offensive and hurtful. It is the equivalent to using a derogatory slur to discuss a political figure. It will hurt people who have been disenfranchised by such a slur, even though you aren't talking about they themselves.