Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Terminology

Summary

In this presentation, Benjamin Carroll, a registered nurse and grad student, discusses the significance of understanding terminology related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in healthcare. He highlights the importance of using inclusive language to foster a culturally safe environment for patients, particularly marginalized groups. Through qualitative research, he illustrates how healthcare providers often avoid discussing sexual orientation due to fear of being judgmental, which can inadvertently erase identities. The presentation emphasizes the need for practitioners to lead conversations, adopt empowering language, and engage with evolving terminologies to provide optimum care and connection with diverse patient populations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) terminology is crucial for effective healthcare communication.
• 🩺 Healthcare providers must confront their discomfort to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ patients.
• 🚫 Avoiding questions about sexual orientation out of fear of being judgmental can erase identities and hinder patient care.
• 🌈 The term 'queer' is an umbrella term that encompasses various non-heterosexual and non-cisgender identities but can be sensitive for some.
• ⚧ Trans individuals may face challenges if their gender identity does not align with societal expectations based on their sex assigned at birth.
• 👥 Intersectionality highlights how overlapping social identities (like race, class, and gender) contribute to unique experiences of discrimination.
• 🔍 The gender unicorn is a tool that illustrates the complexity of gender identity, expression, and attraction, despite some criticisms of its binary nature.
• 📜 Language around SOGI is constantly evolving, and staying updated is essential for inclusivity in healthcare settings.
• 🤝 Empowering language promotes respectful and affirming communication, which is critical in addressing biases in healthcare.
• 🎧 Additional resources, such as podcasts and articles, can provide further insights into SOGI issues and enhance understanding for healthcare providers.

Q & A

What does SOGI stand for?

SOGI stands for sexual orientation and gender identity.

Why is understanding terminology related to SOGI important for healthcare providers?

Understanding SOGI terminology helps healthcare providers connect with patients and avoid making assumptions about their identities, thereby providing better and more culturally safe care.

What is the significance of the quote by Kyle Taylor-Shaughnessy?

The quote emphasizes the importance of staying current with evolving language around gender and sexual identity to effectively connect with and serve young people in healthcare settings.

How do healthcare providers often erase identities, according to the qualitative study by Baker and Beagan?

Healthcare providers may avoid asking about sexual orientation to not appear judgmental, which can inadvertently erase the identities of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

What does the acronym 2SLGBTQI represent?

The acronym 2SLGBTQI includes Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex individuals, recognizing diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community.

What does the term 'Two-Spirit' signify?

Two-Spirit is a term used by some Indigenous peoples in North America to describe a range of gender identities, roles, and spiritual identities, and it may not be universally used by all Indigenous individuals.

What is intersectionality, and why is it relevant to SOGI discussions?

Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categories, such as race, class, and gender, which create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage, making it crucial for understanding diverse experiences in SOGI discussions.

What is the Gender Unicorn diagram used for?

The Gender Unicorn diagram helps clarify concepts of gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual attraction, providing a visual tool to support individuals in understanding their own identities.

Why is inclusive language important in healthcare?

Inclusive language is important in healthcare as it helps create a welcoming environment, respects individual identities, and reduces biases, ultimately leading to better patient-provider relationships.

What is the recommended approach to asking for someone’s pronouns?

The recommended approach is to share your own pronouns first and then ask for theirs. If unsure, using their name or the singular 'they' is appropriate until clarification is provided.