Exploring sex and gender
Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog
Diane Bruessow, PA-C, DFAAPA
September 03, 2012http://www.jaapa.com/exploring-sex-and-gender/article/256952/
Diane BruessowSex
When medical institutions ...construct sex in a way that leaves out trans and intersex persons, we cause health disparities.
No one – medical professional or layperson – may be more aware of the intricacies of sex than those whose daily lives are most impacted by it.... trans and intersex patients and colleagues have taught me to consider the nuances between gonadal, genetic, and phenotypic sex that are informed by gonadal differentiation, steroidogenesis, and androgens.
....[natural science]'s inclinations about sex are not informed by evident natural diversity but by a social predisposition for two genders.
Gender
Someone who is transgender typically doesn't conform to the anticipated gender role and other social constructs of the gender that is congruent with their sex assigned at birth. Recognizing that gender – much like race and ethnicity – is socially constructed and self-determined is an extremely powerful concept.
If you do ask an open ended question about gender, be prepared for a myriad of answers beyond female and male that may include gender queer and two-spirit, among others. If you have any doubt about the responses you receive, consider a follow up question asking the patient what pronouns they'd like you to use when addressing them – and then follow their lead throughout your communications.
