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KNOW THE BASICS
- Sex is assigned at birth and is based on physical attributes—such as chromosomes, sex hormone levels, and genitals.
- Gender identity is an individual's sense of being male, female, both male and female, or an alternative gender.
- Gender expression refers to characteristics in personality, appearance, and behavior that may be perceived as masculine, feminine, both, or neither. One's sexual orientation and sexual preferences are separate and distinct from one's gender.
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TALK THE TALK. Ask for names and pronouns to use at work, at home, and in social situations. And use appropriate terminology demonstrating awareness and sensitivity to the client. You should also verify names and information to use for insurance purposes.
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KEEP UP WITH THE LANGUAGE. Proactively remain up-to-date with terms that continue to evolve and thus tend to become outdated and/or offensive quickly. Terminology changes, and it varies from person to person; thus, use terminology in a manner that is appropriate, respectful, and sensitive for each person.
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CHECK YOUR PAPERWORK. At present, many insurance forms and data collection forms still have underlying gender-binary bias. These forms can set a tone with your client before you even speak to them—so, be proactive and make changes where you can.
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ENGAGE IN CONTINUOUS LEARNING. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists seek education and training so that they can be more gender inclusive. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) has developed standards of care for health care professionals working with people who are transgender and gender diverse, including assistance on providing voice and communication services.
Learn more about providing gender affirming voice and communication services.
