Expanding the rainbow: Understanding the LGBTQIA language
By Vanessa Pomarico-Denino, Ed.D, FNP-BC, FAANP
LGBTQIA? Sounds a bit like alphabet soup right? The acronym LGBT has evolved over the past several years to include other populations but the individual needs of each population within this acronym vary and are not “one-size-fits-all. “ These gender and sexual minorities still encounter issues concerning sexuality, identity, gender and freedom of expression with their healthcare providers. It is a well-documented fact that the majority of healthcare providers today have not been properly educated on how to care for this population therefore, the specific needs pertaining to each individual group represented in this acronym go largely ignored.
The truth is more and more persons are identifying as something other than what is considered gender binary-the classification of two fixed genders: male or female, masculine or feminine. Persons who identify as non-gender binary may present to your office as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer or questioning, asexual or ally. As providers of healthcare, we already know how to take care of the human body in whatever manner is necessary to optimize patients’ health however; it is equally important to be able to speak their language. Understanding some common terminology will relay the message to your patients that you are providing inclusive and affirming care. Below are some of the most common and acceptable terms that are used by the LGBTQIA community.
Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women romantically, physically and psychologically.
Gay: A sexual attraction towards people of the same gender.
Bisexual: A person who is attracted both physically and romantically towards people regardless of their gender.
Transgender: A person whose identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender person may choose to transition with the help of hormones, surgery, and name change to the gender to which they best identify. The term “tranny” is considered derogatory and should never be used.
Queer: Traditionally, the term “queer” has been as a type of gender slur but in the correct context, people who identify as queer are those whose gender, gender expression and/or sexuality do not conform to the societal norm. It is an umbrella term for someone who does not identify as cis-gender or heterosexual.
Questioning: This term describes a person who is exploring their gender, gender expression and sexual orientation.
Intersex: An individual who has been born with ambiguous genitalia or a combination of both male and female chromosomes and genitalia.
Asexual: The absence of sexual attraction or desire for any type of a partnered relationship.
Ally: An advocate or someone who supports the LGBTQIA community.
Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with their biological sex.
Cross-dressers: Individuals who wear clothing of the opposite sex for erotic arousal, emotional or psychological reasons. This is a form of gender expression. The term “transvestite” is no longer used and is considered a derogatory term.
FTM: (Female-to-male): A biological female who identifies as male. This is also referred to as a transgender male.
Gender fluid: A person whose gender expression and identity that crosses between the typical male and female outside of the societal norm.
Gender Queer: A person whose gender identity and gender expression may be a combination of either male and female genders or neither.
MTF (Male-to-female): A biological male who identifies as female. This is also referred to as a transgender female.
While there are a great deal of other populations and terms, this short list will provide you with a little bit of insight as to the differences among individuals who identify as such. Keeping an open mind as well as acknowledging if you mis-gender someone will go a long way in establishing a healthy patient/provider relationship built on mutual respect and trust. After all, this community of people is just that-people and they deserve the same treatment given to everyone else.
Vanessa Pomarico-Denino, Ed.D, FNP-BC, FAANP
Northeast Medical Group, Hamden, CT: APRN, Lead trainer for transgender education
Fitzgerald Health Education Associations (FHEA), North Andover, MA: Senior consultant
Southern Connecticut State University, Adjunct faculty
Email: vpdenino@gmail.com
