Considerations:

Use images and case examples portraying different family dynamics. Show families with one parent, families with two same-gendered parents, families where grandparents are the child's guardians, etc.

Use images that show a diverse range of gender expression and not just traditional and outdated images of gender.

Use they/them pronouns when referring to individuals whose gender is unknown or hypothetical characters in case examples whose gender is not relevant to the discussion.

Cautions:

Avoid using case examples and images that show "mom" as the only concerned parent.

Avoid overusing images that only present families as mom, dad, and child(ren.) Families are unique and diverse and should be represented as such.

Avoid overusing images that only portray traditionally-held gender roles—physicians as men, nurses as women, etc.

Considerations:

Refer to individuals by their affirmed gender and pronouns —the gender and pronouns by which they wish to be known.

Familiarize yourself with current terminology and recognize that what may be appropriate for one individual may not be appropriate for another. There is not always a consensus among diverse communities, and terminology is constantly evolving. It is always best to ask the individual what pronouns and terminology they identify with and terminology they wish to use and consistently use that terminology when discussing the patient’s case.

Preferred Terms:

• Trans(gender) man - Assigned female at birth who identifies as a man

• Trans(gender) woman - Assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman

• Cisgender - A person whose gender identity corresponds with their sex assigned at birth

• Gender Diverse - An umbrella term to describe people whose gender identities differ from the sex assigned at birth

• AFAB - Assigned female at birth

• AMAB - Assigned male at birth

Cautions:

Do not assume a person's affirmed gender, pronouns or sexual orientation.

When discussing case studies related to sexual health or other relevant topics, do not automatically default to the assumption that an individual is straight and cisgender until proven otherwise.

Terms to Avoid:

• Transgendered

• Transsexual

• Biological gender; Biological male/female

• Chosen/Preferred Gender

• Transvestite

• Homosexual (instead use gay, lesbian or queer.

Avoid using judgmental language when discussing a patient's sexual history. Do not say "the patient admitted to having sex"; say "the patient is sexually active."

Considerations:

Acknowledge overlapping/intersecting identities.

For example, a Native American, straight, cisgender woman's experience will be different than a Native American, gay, cisgender man's experience, which will be different from a white, transwoman's experience, and so on. It is important to understand how different layers of identity affect people and should also affect the way we describe and discuss these individuals.

Recognize the importance of acknowledging both medically necessary sex information while still respecting gender identity. For example: a menstruating person.

Cautions:

Avoid unnecessarily gendering items. Instead of "feminine hygiene products," say "menstrual products."

Considerations:

Always refer to physicians in the same way, regardless of gender. Often male physicians are called Dr. (Last Name) but female physicians are referred to only by their first names.

When choosing and presenting case examples, be aware of internalized gender bias. Often, female patients’ physical symptoms and pain are not taken as seriously by medical professionals as they are with male patients. Alternatively, mental health issues in male patients are often overlooked.

Use the term "partner" to avoid assumptions about gender and marital status. If marital status is known, use the term "spouse."

Cautions:

Do not describe sexual orientation or gender as a lifestyle, preference or choice.

Do not use the term "normal" to refer to straight or cisgender people.

Avoid using gendered terms to refer to mix-gendered groups. The term "guys" may be considered by many to be gender-neutral, but some individuals may feel excluded by its use. The same applies to using "ladies" to refer to a group of people you may assume all identify as women.