Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: makipu on February 15, 2016, 04:43:24 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: makipu on February 15, 2016, 04:43:24 PM
Apparently and unfortunately, since (although open minded)people; doctors included (who are in a LGBT clinic) rely on stereotypical looks rather than what my gender states in their system, misgendered me by referring to me as a 'she' (which I take it as s***)
It basically makes me come to the conclusion of having my documents that matter changed to MALE didn't make a difference when dealing with people  aside from having a positive impact personally on me.

Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: Rachel on February 15, 2016, 06:21:27 PM
If you are in a safe place then misgendering should be corrected. Doctors at a LGBT clinic must be corrected. I correct people when they make a mistake in a kind way.
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: Mariah on February 15, 2016, 06:26:05 PM
It's so important to correct them so they know that it isn't excitable. Hugs
Mariah
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: Devlyn on February 15, 2016, 06:28:35 PM
To make sure I understand, your doctor who knows you're transgender misgendered you? Unless it was a slip, that would be extremely inappropriate.
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: makipu on February 15, 2016, 09:32:28 PM
This wasn't the same doctor who knows me but another specialist doctor who I saw for the first time but the place is LGBT specific already so doesn't it only make sense at the very least to check my information prior to my appointment? 
This is the main reason I avoid making friends but because I was surprised when this happened in such place, I didn't correct it that time.  Nevertheless, I won't be going to them again.

At another facility (non LGBT related) I used to see a specialist prior to my gender change (on insurance but it said male on ID) I put up with their reports stating sentences like "This patient is a __ years old FEMALE ... AND EVEN AFTER updating the insurance to male as well... Needless to say solely because of that very fact , I quit going there too.  I mean why can't they simply LOOK AT WHAT IT SAYS or even be considerate enough to ASK me?
Nothing of the sort.
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: Moneyless on February 15, 2016, 10:04:33 PM
My GP who has dealt with a lot of transgender patients and refers to me by my preferred name for some reason still referred to me as a 'she' on my referral letter.
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: AnonyMs on February 15, 2016, 10:22:33 PM
Perhaps whats on the paper needs to reflect your birth gender for legal and/or medical reasons. They should still address you by your preferred gender of course.
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: makipu on February 15, 2016, 10:52:01 PM
No, I don't think that's the case AnonyMs. I would understand it if it was related to female specific body parts but those reasons for my visits weren't even gender specific. I am already legally male.  Unfortunately, this has to do with the fact that I don't look (nor want to ) like a typical male, aka "non  passing" state.
Title: Re: Doctors misgendering, not too surprising?
Post by: Valentijn on February 16, 2016, 12:08:46 AM
I'm sorry that happened to you. Like Devlyn Marie said, extremely inappropriate – but sadly not surprising. I had one doctor, who mainly did trans-related healthcare, use the wrong pronoun for me during a HRT consult. It's funny now, but was very discouraging at the time.

In fact, I've had several trans-focused providers (and their staff) say all sorts of ignorant things. They're often the only game in town, so many patients don't feel like they can speak up.

On the other hand, I've had several wonderful doctors who knew absolutely nothing about transgender healthcare be very considerate about pronoun usage, including my former gynecologist. At a time when I was rarely read as male. So, yes, people can get it right, even if they're intimately involved with your below-the-belt region.

They just need to, y'know, try harder. :eusa_doh: