Gender Neutrality in Medicine.

Gender Neutrality in Medicine

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN: October 2021

NOTES: Written (primarily) in response to the vitriolic pushback on the trans community after discussions of overturning Roe v. Wade began... Little did I know at the time of writing the response would only get worse one things were legally overturned and the trans community dared to speak alongside our cis allies.

I’ve seen a lot of debate on the use of gender-neutral language, especially regarding the things happening now regarding abortion and access to equal healthcare. So here’s an perspective post nobody asked for.

In case this gets out of my little bubble:

Hi, I’m Jason. I’m a transmasculine individual (genderqueer man) who has a mostly functioning uterus which, unfortunately, is a major source of dysphoria. Congrats to me (/s)!
Also, I ramble a lot and tend not to read over what I say. If I’ve repeated myself or made things wordy, that’s my bad. I just… do that. A lot.
Also also, I want to encourage healthy discussion! If you’re going to come on here and be a dick (e.g., purposeful misgendering, hate/harassment, etc. etc.) you’ll be blocked without a response. This isn’t some… debate I’m trying to spark. I don’t need to prove shit to you about myself, my identity, or my body.

I’m going to say it right off the bat for any cis allies reading this: You will never be able to please everybody. Especially since there’s such a divide in the community about our perception and inclusion.

A lot of this divide, from what I have noticed in my old days of trans* discourse (2015-2018, the peak trans* discourse years), stems from people’s experiences. Many people will actively distance themselves from traditionally gendered discussions as it may worsen their dysphoria, or make them feel as if their gender is undermined. Many people will push for inclusion in traditionally gendered discussions as it has had a direct impact on them, whether that impact be positive or negative.

I’m of the belief that it’s important to address the nuance of things. I’ll focus on the topic of “female” reproductive health and the inclusion of trans men/transmasculine individuals since I’m more versed in that personally (again, due to experience).

Again, many trans men/transmasculine individuals may want to avoid being included in reproductive conversations (e.g., abortion and healthcare access) because it feels personally invalidating.

Take for example, me.

I’m transmasculine and have reproductive issues typically associated with women. I said my uterus, which I still very much have due to an inability to safely seek medical transition (as well as a financial inability), is mostly working.

Why mostly? I’m not entirely sure!

My own dysphoria has made me avoid seeking proper examination due to how gendered that type healthcare is. However, I am aware there are issues due to my personal experiences with menstruation and research done online/with peers. I have even gone as far to have narrowed it down to a few likely causes (one being endometriosis). Granted, this research has been equally as gendered and has made me feel invalidated many times. Despite this, it is important for me to have access to these resources as it is (frankly) an issue that directly impacts my health.

Many trans men/transmasculine individuals have said similar things about access to pre/post-natal care and abortions. I follow many “seahorse dads” who have detailed both affirming and invalidating experiences with the healthcare system and within online communities. Some of these individuals have been pre-transition, some post-transition.

On the other hand, many trans men/transmasculine individuals have said otherwise on the topics. That these things are “women only” issues, and that they do not feel the need to be included in these conversations. These issues, because they are men, simply should not include them. Some of these individuals have been pre-transition, some post-transition.

So what should cis allies do? What should the community advocate for?

I believe it’s important to avoid total exclusion for the sake of trans men/transmasculine individuals who are directly impacted by these issues. Using gender neutral language allows for that bridge to be navigated at the individual’s choice.

It’s not “forcing inclusion”. It’s not “erasing women”. It’s not invalidating trans men/transmasculine individuals.

The usage and implementation of gender neutral language says: Hey, if you relate to this problem or these issues, here is information and what steps you can take. Do what you want with it!

This can, of course, extend to other forms of reproductive healthcare as well. Vasectomy, testicular examinations, STD testing, fertility/infertility, etc. etc. The list goes on.

Ultimately it boils down to these points:

Everyone should have equal and accessible access to the healthcare they need, regardless of preconceived notions surrounding said healthcare.