Trans community says docs can do little things to make patients comfortable

Richards’ story is far from unique in the transgender community.

Fellow panelist, Dani Despsins, avoids going to the doctor’s at all costs, and would rather hide in bed than seek help.

Despsins said a doctor broke confidentiality and told Despins’ mother information that was supposed to remain between doctor and patient. Despsins said experiences like that are why it’s hard to find a family doctor to trust.

ACC provides a a list of health care providers on its website while groups like the GLBT Medical Students of Canada work to raise awareness of LGBT health issues among Canadian medical students and educate them before they begin their practice.

Despite the challenges, Richards said the situation is improving. In the last year, the province has recognized gender identity in the Saskatchewan Bill of Rights.

But, doctors and patients alike said there are small things every medical health practitioner can do to make visitors feel welcome and accepted that don’t require laws or regulations.

The first and most important aspect for Richards is to have an open-minded doctor.

“If you go to see somebody and they’re open, that’s all that counts,” he said. “Whether or not they really know a whole lot about it, I’m willing to have the conversation.”

Richards already attends doctor informational sessions where medical specialists can learn more about issues in the community and how to handle them, without feeling as though they are being lectured or scolded.

Despins would like to see gender-neutral washrooms and a greater respect for confidentiality.

Other issues for transgender individuals include being unable to provide their chosen name – instead of just their legal names – and pronouns alongside their legal name on medical forms.

Despins said health care providers often ignore requests to be called Dani and referred to as ‘they’ and ‘them’ instead of ‘he’ or ‘she.’

Audience members at the panel also expressed interest in either changing medical forms to distinguish between sex and gender or remove it entirely.

Saskatoon Community Clinic medical group head and panelist Dr. Leane said her clinic is in the midst of reviewing their practices.

A report will go to their board of directors in the next few weeks with recommendations like those advocated for by Richards and Despins.

When she thought of the renovations a gender neutral washroom would require, a fellow doctor pointed out that they just use a gender neutral washroom sign. However, she’s unsure why some doctors or medical supply companies are slow to adopt simple policies such as changing their patient forms.

Bettin said, overall, small changes make a big difference for a community still struggling to find both itself and its place within the world.

“Whether it’s something as simple as having the rainbow safe space on your door,” she said. “It’s the little things that help us get to those long term issues.”

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @lkretzel

by Lasia Kretzel

Trans community says docs can do little things to make patients comfortable

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