Respecting Sex and Gender Identity (part 2)
Respectful Language
Language evolves, and the meanings and usage of words change over time. It is important to know which words are respectful when talking about people. this is especially true if those people who experienced a history of discrimination.
L – Lesbian: a woman who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other women.
G – Gay: a man who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to other men. Also an umbrella term for people who are LGBTQ.
B- Bisexual: a person emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to more than one gender.
T – Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned at birth. Transgender is a description of gender identity rather than sexual orientation. People who are transgender may be of any sexual orientation.
Q – Queer: a term people use to express fluid identities and orientations. Often used interchangeably with “LGBTQ.” “Queer” was previously used as a slur, and not everyone is comfortable with using it. “Q” may also stand for “questioning.” This describes people who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Honoring Gender Identity
A person’s gender identity is their inner concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither. The way people express their gender identity varies from person to person. Clothing, hairstyle, voice, and behaviors are all ways to express one’s gender identity. However, you cannot know someone’s gender by the way they present themselves.
Honoring a client’s gender identity is one of the most powerful things a caregiver can do to make them feel safe and respected. Home Care Aides should support a client’s choices of clothing and hairstyle, use the names and pronouns that the person uses, and be aware of the diversity of anatomy that people may have.
Anatomy and Transgender
People who are transgender have a different gender identity than the one assigned to them at birth based on physical features. They may or may not have had surgeries to change their physical bodies to match their gender identities. This means that, for example, a woman who is transgender may have features of male anatomy such as a penis.
As a caregiver, you need to be aware of these possibilities because they can impact a client’s care needs. For example, a man who is transgender may need assistance with menstruation products. remember not to make assumptions about a client’s physical body needs based on their gender expression.
Pronouns
Most people use pronouns that match their gender identity. You may politely ask someone (preferably in private) what their pronouns are but do not try and force anyone to share. One way to make a welcoming environment is to share your pronouns when you first meet someone.
Make sure you always use the names and pronouns that the client gives you, even when they are not present. This shows respect and support for their gender identity. If you don’t know what pronouns to use for someone, using “they/them” is respectful. Never call a person “it.”
Pronouns include
- He/him/his/himself
- She/her/hers/herself
- They/them/theirs/themselves
you may also hear other pronouns
- Ey/em/eir/emself
- Ze/hir/hirs/hirself
Finally, there is a gender-neutral title that is an alternative to Mr., Mrs., Miss, and Ms. It is “Mx” (pronounced mix).
Making Mistakes
If you accidentally use the wrong name or pronoun with someone, simply apologies and correct yourself, move on, and practice on your own for next time. Most people will appreciate that you are trying to be respectful even if you make a mistake.
The quiz for this module can be found on page 28 of your textbook.