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Chapter 7 - Dealing with Health Needs and Physical Complaints of Nonbinary Clients

from Section A - Contextual Transgynecology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2022

By
Cristiano Scandurra ,
Fabrizio Mezza  and
Vincenzo Bochicchio
Edited by
Mick van Trotsenburg ,
Rixt A. C. Luikenaar  and
Maria Cristina Meriggiola
Mick van Trotsenburg
Affiliation:
Sigmund Freud PrivatUniversität, Wien
Rixt A. C. Luikenaar
Affiliation:
Rebirth Health Center, Utah
Maria Cristina Meriggiola
Affiliation:
Università di Bologna
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Summary

Nonbinary people are those who do not self-identify within the gender binary system. Recently, scientific research has increasingly recognized that nonbinary individuals have specific social and health needs, which may be different from those of binary transgender people. Obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) are paying increasing attention to transgender clients, who are in need of care services for either screening purposes, genital complaints, or information on genital health maintenance. However, since the nonbinary population has only recently been acknowledged in legal, medical, and psychological systems, most Ob/Gyns are likely to be unaware of specific nonbinary clients’ particular experiences and challenges. For this reason, in accordance with an affirmative, individualized, and culturally competent approach, this chapter addresses the health needs and physical complaints of nonbinary individuals, by focusing on two main issues: (1) how an affirmative environment for nonbinary clients may foster the therapeutic alliance; and (2) which are the specific physical complaints of nonbinary clients within Ob/Gyn care.

Keywords

nonbinarygenderfluidgender nonconformityhealthphysical complaintsaffirmative approachgender dysphoriahealth disparitiesmicroaggressions
Type
Chapter
Information
Context, Principles and Practice of TransGynecology
Managing Transgender Patients in ObGyn Practice
 , pp. 49 - 55
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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