Adapted from Qlife.org.au, operated by the National LGBTI Health Alliance
The gender binary is one of the most entrenched social constructs, even though it excludes many people’s life experiences and histories.
There is a set of embedded gender expectations based on assigned sex at birth that influence how people are told to act in the world. For those people who do not feel aligned to these constructed ideas of gender, there is a difficult process of exploration outside social constructions, which is often met with misunderstanding and discrimination by others.
Gender can more accurately be thought of as a colour palette, with many possible shades of identity and subtle expressions of gender far beyond only woman or man. Gender diversity includes people who identify as agender (having no gender), as bigender (both a woman and a man) or as non-binary (neither woman nor man). Some non-binary people identify as genderqueer or as having shifting or fluid genders.
Tips when working with gender
- At an appropriate time and manner, ask people directly how they wish to be described. Ask privately whenever possible to reduce discomfort and make sure your client feels able to answer honestly. Respecting a person’s wishes regarding use or non-use of pronouns can affirm someone’s experience and help them to feel acknowledged.
- A non-binary or transperson’s ‘real’ name is the one that they prefer to use. Keep someone’s former name, assigned sex and gender history confidential unless you have their clear permission and a clear imperative to disclose. When it is necessary to discuss someone’s past, using names and pronouns that match how the person identifies is best practice.
- Remember that people know much more about their own gender identity and feelings than you do. Allow them to be the expert in their own experience and be guided by this. No matter how many trans, gender diverse and non-binary clients you have seen, each person will require a new awareness for you. Instead of generalising, listen and tailor your responses to meet each individual’s needs.
- Next time you are filling out any personal information on a standard form, pay attention to the gender options provided and ask yourself whether the options embrace all of the options people may require. If not, how would you feel if your identity was not even provided as an option? What if you wanted to select female but knew that you might be told you should list male? What if you saw yourself as a man, but needed services related to physical characteristics typically associated with female bodies? Would you feel uncomfortable or exposed?
- Be cautious of your own interest and make sure that you’re asking questions about identity for the benefit of your client, not for your own curiosity
- Use gender-inclusive messaging in all communications, including on social media, and create an inviting space for all individuals with gender neutral-furnishings and colours. Acknowledge the power of representation but don’t generalise.
- Your patients need their clinic experience to be affirming, sensitive and inclusive from start to finish. Consider training for your whole staff and make your practice known as an advocate for potential transgender patients.
Diversity matters
As the global beauty industry moves to make diversity intrinsic to its offering, Allergan Aesthetic’s ‘Spectra of Beauty’ report explores the diverse layers to Australia’s beliefs, behaviours and influences, within the context of beauty. The Report is the first of its kind to highlight how our sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as ethnicity and cultural background and age, all have a powerful influence on our beauty ideals.
‘It has never been more important than now for our industry to take meaningful steps to genuinely include and represent the true beauty a diverse population brings,’ says Nathalie McNeil, Associate Vice President and General Manager, ANZ, Allergan Aesthetics. ‘As the evolving discussion of diversity sits front and centre, we must recognise there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty, and the focus
must increasingly be on advocating and supporting positive self-image, being true to oneself and inclusivity.’
True equality requires many voices, and aesthetic healthcare practitioners can make a real difference in the lives of trans and gender diverse patients, and the LGBTQIA+ community at large. Cosmetic treatments that are provided with understanding and sensitivity foster a culture of community, respect and inclusion for all patients, not just some of them. AMP
For more information and resources, visit transhub.org.au/clinicians and qlife.org.au/resources
