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Chapter 1 - Terminology in Transgender Medicine

from Section A - Contextual Transgynecology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2022

By
Nic G. Rider ,
Taymy J. Caso ,
Spencer Czech  and
Dan H. Karasic
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

Language in healthcare settings is important in order to better serve and understand the unique needs of various groups within transgender and gender diverse communities. Failure of healthcare professionals and institutions to adapt to evolving terminology contributes to the marginalization, invalidation, and exclusion of gender diversity in the medical field. Rather than dismissing or erasing unfamiliar identities, identifiers, or terminology, healthcare professionals should reflectively listen to how the patient affirms their autonomy and agency by using patient-provided terms. This chapter discusses the importance of using gender-affirming terminology in healthcare settings, reviews basic terms and definitions from a Western perspective, and provides recommendations for inclusive practices.

Keywords

terminologygender-affirming practicesgender-inclusive language
Type
Chapter
Information
Context, Principles and Practice of TransGynecology
Managing Transgender Patients in ObGyn Practice
 , pp. 2 - 8
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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