Learning Objectives:

At the end of this video learners will:

• Accept that changing our language is something that is essential and necessary to provide competent care to trans people
• Have the tools they need to change language in clinical encounters that excludes trans people
• Remember that language changes all the time and we need to remain flexible and willing to change

Reflection Questions:

• When someone calls you out for saying or doing something hurtful or harmful, do you feel compelled to quickly defend yourself and your intentions? Why is that?
• Do you feel attached to using the word “women” to describe people who are or who can become pregnant? What are some benefits transgender people might experience from the widespread use of inclusive language? How are cisgender women harmed by equating womanhood to pregnancy?
• How do you feel about “women only” spaces? Do you believe they should be for all women? How do cisgender women benefit from a less restrictive definition of womanhood?

Presented by: Aspen Ruhlin (they/them/theirs)
Community Advocate, Mabel Wadsworth Clinic

In this video Aspen discusses language, the impact it has, and how to shift language to be more gender inclusive.