Going to the doctor can feel overwhelming! Will they know anything about gender? Will they use my pronouns? Will they be kind?
I know because while I am a doctor, I am also a gender diverse person who goes to a doctor. Actually, I went to FIVE, count ’em, F-I-V-E doctors before I found a doctor who was kind and knowledgeable, and that’s in Seattle. Back in the south, I was misdiagnosed by a discriminatory doctor and given the wrong treatment for a basic medical condition. Here in Seattle I have had providers pass moral judgement on my sexual health choices, pass moral judgement on my mental health needs, and just plain not understand that my organs and genitals are not my gender. Being on both sides of healthcare has helped me find my voice.
Hopefully, I can share some tips with you on Saturday at Lifelong’s Resiliency Space that may make your experience of healthcare a little more empowered!