Below are some suggestions to help clinicians create an inclusive environment where the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ patients can be met. These suggestions are not exhaustive and providers are encouraged to consider other manuals and cultural competency training opportunities to provide inclusive care.

These suggestions were reproduced from Gender Inclusive Language by Trans Care BC, The Trans-inclusive Abortion Services by the SHORE Centre and Fédération du Québec pour le planning des naissances, and the Handbook for Healthcare Providers Working with Clients from Diverse Communities by Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights. For more information on the myths about reproduction of LGBTQ2S+, the vocabulary and glossary to use and avoid, and case studies and recommendations to overcome obstacles, please refer to these manuals.

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do have accessible bathrooms for multiple genders by removing “Male” and “Female” signs from washrooms, or replacing them with an “All Gender Bathroom” sign.
• Do display 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive posters, pamphlets, and other materials to let your patients know that they are welcome.
• Do use inclusive clinical forms (e.g., intake forms) that are inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Consider whether the questions you are asking are necessary to ask for clinical purposes, or if they are asked out of curiosity only.
• Do ask which pronouns patients prefer and use them consistently throughout their care.
• Do ask patients and observe what words they use to refer to their body parts, and mirror their language.
• Do respect trans patients’ rights to educate on trans issues or speak on behalf of the needs of trans patients.
• Do seek to remove barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+ patients.
• Do NOT use labels and terms derived from older versions of DSM and ICD such as transgenderism, transsexualism and gender identity disorder.
• Do NOT use derogatory terms and expressions even if your patient does.

Gender-inclusive language: