Can a PhD (Or a doctorate or an MD) choose to use a gendered title instead of Dr? For example, suppose an AFAB PhD comes out as a trans man. Is he allowed to use Mister to affirm his gender? Or is he stuck in the gender neutral Doctor zone forever? Does he have to get knighted by the British monarchy in order to get a masculine title?
I had a philosophy prof who said the title depends on the setting. If he were speaking at a conference, it’s Dr. If he was teaching at a school, it’s Professor.
If you’re in a setting where those titles aren’t relevant, don’t use them.