“In academia (and LGBT vernacular) gender is something different than sex.” We do not care how the LGBT uses it. We prefer to use it correctly. And the only academia that uses it differently is gender studies or classes taught by a feminist or SJW. 

 

“However, they prefer to be treated the same way you’d treat a cis person of  that gender.” We do not care what they prefer. They prefer something that is not actual reality, we prefer reality.

 

“you can start by respecting their pronouns” We respect actual reality before pronouns or fantasies.