Understand myths around transgender people

In addition to understanding the concept of gender diversity, health service providers should also be aware of the misunderstanding or myths around transgender people. Understanding the myths will prevent them from stereotyping the transgender people, such as assuming that all transgender people are funny, sexually obsessed, talented in beautification or performing arts, or more talented in certain areas than non-transgender people. In fact, like other people, transgender people do have different talents and interests. They are not more talented than others and are as diverse as everyone else in the society.

Dos and Don’ts in providing health services for transgender people

To give a shortcut to practice your communication skills needed when providing health service to transgender people, here are some example scenarios of what you should do and should not do when providing health service to transgender people, based on the experiences from Thailand.

Always be polite and friendly

Health service providers should always be polite and friendly. Never gossip, or make jokes about the clients.

Use gender title / pronouns / name based on the transgender clients’ instruction

The service providers should avoid using gender titles, pronouns and names that may not correspond with the clients' gender identity or preferences. In the Thai context, health service providers are recommended to use the word "Khun" as a title to all transgender clients instead of "Mr.," "Ms.," or "Mrs". Because the word “Khun” is gender-neutral and polite. It is also important to use proper pronouns and names in some cases as well. If unsure, the service providers should ask the clients politely for the title, pronouns and name that they would like to use. Health service providers should, then, follow the client’s instruction without being judgmental.

Do not use slangs or labels

Avoid using slang or labels, such as ‘beautiful’ or other similar words that may imply stigmatization or disrespect to the clients. Always use titles, pronouns and names suggested by the clients.

Avoid irrelevant conversation

Avoid conversation or comments that are irrelevant to the service the clients come for on the day, such as "You are beautiful like a woman," "I couldn’t tell that you were transgender," "When did you know that you are trans?" Because these comments or conversations may imply stigmatization, which may make the clients feel uncomfortable.

Avoid irrelevant questions

The health service providers should not ask questions about the clients’ surgical history that are unrelated to the service they are seeking on the day. For example, "You look beautiful. Had the big snip yet?" or "Where did you have your breast implant done? How much did it cost?" Should you need to ask for relevant personal information or medical history of the clients that are related to the service they come for on the day, the health service providers must politely ask for the clients' permission first.

Do not judge

The service providers should not judge the clients based on their occupation, race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. All clients should be treated equally.

Do not assume the clients’ sexual orientation

Do not assume or judge the clients' sexual orientation. Expressing surprise or judging the clients’ sexual orientation can make the clients feel uncomfortable and they may lose their trust in you.

Refer: Healthcare Services for Transgender People, The Thai Handbook of Transgender Healthcare Services, Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University