Thread by @kkidia

1/ THREAD: BEING A GENDER-SENSITIVE PROVIDER

It was an honor to have @BrighamMedRes's @ohamnvik join us in Zimbabwe @kushingazim and @galzinf to discuss hormone therapy.

He covered so much, but I'd like to reiterate some of his tips on being a gender-sensitive clinician.

2/ Ask everyone about gender identity in paperwork.

3/ On patient forms have the following fields:

-gender identity
-assigned sex at birth
-preferred name
-preferred pronouns

ENTER this data into the medical record.

4/ Know basics of common terminology and treatment paradigms.

5/ Use preferred name and pronouns always. But do not "out" the patient.

6/ Make no assumptions about gender identity or preferred partners.

7/ Apologize if you make a mistake -- people have had many prior negative experiences and an apology goes a long way.

8/ Ask what you need to know, not out of curiosity.

9/ In your field, understand health implications of hormonal and surgical treatments.

10/ Physical exam -- understand that it may be uncomfortable. Explain the need, do everything possible to make it more comfortable.

11/ Train all staff, including frontline staff in gender sensitive language and care.

12/ Openly display:

-non-discrimination policies
-trans health brochures and posters
-rainbow stickers on your ID

13/ Have gender-neutral bathrooms.

14/ But, most of all, approach healthcare with extreme humility.

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