More than 1.4 million Americans identify as transgender or nonbinary.1 With a reported threefold increase in gender-affirming surgical procedures between 2016 and 2019, patients seeking gender-affirming surgical procedures are on the rise.2 However, in addition to previous challenges transgender patients encountered in accessing essential healthcare services recent legislation in several states threatens to worsen patient trust of the healthcare system.3,4
To this end, the need for an inclusive environment, made plain to patients seeking care becomes all the more important. One seemingly subtle yet critical aspect of providing care to transgender patients is the appropriate use of pronouns while refraining from misgendering—using pronouns or terms that do not align with an individual’s gender identity. In accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH; East Dundee, Illinois,) Standards of Care, gender-affirming healthcare encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, including the correct usage of gender identity,...
