Getting into the basics for lgbtq+ youth health including sexual Health

Here you will find (click to jump to section):

Terms

Note this is not all encompassing and some folx use terms differently. Consider the Human Rights Campaign Glossary of Terms as another reliable source.

    • Acronym for sexual orientation (who an individual is attracted to romantically/physically) gender identity (how some describes their gender regardless of anatomy) and expression (how someone expresses their gender)

    • Why collect? Collected to guide individualized care and health disparity data tracking

    • Often collected in the demographics section of the EHR and linked to pronouns

    • Words used to describe one’s self regardless of anatomy such as he, she, they

    • Consider Pronouns.org as a resource to learn more

    • Why Collect? Ask every patient their pronouns, use them consistently, and document accurately. This acts to disrupt assumption and biases while empowering personalized connection.

    • PRO TIP: When working with youth (and others) that come to a visit with a caregiver/parent consider asking pronouns a second time privately. Your patient may not be out to their parent(s) for example.

    • Strategy Session: How to get pronouns - “Hi I am Dr. Knight. I use they/them pronouns. How can I best address you?”

    • Often collected in the demographics section of the EHR and linked to SOGIE

    • Inclusive umbrella term for individuals whose sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression differs from majority norms (e.g., LGBTQ+ populations)

    • May also hear terms such as “gender diverse” as a way to step back from the word minority and its stigmas

    • Public health term describing males who engage in sexual activity with other males, regardless of their sexual orientation (e.g., gay, bisexual, straight)

    • Why collect? Used for behavioral risk assessment (STIs, HIV, etc.) and recognizes sexual behavior diversity beyond labels & stigmas

    • Public health term describing females who engage in sexual activity with other females, regardless of their sexual orientation (e.g., lesbian, bisexual, straight)

    • Why collect? Used for behavioral risk assessment (STIs, HIV, etc.) and recognizes sexual behavior diversity beyond labels & stigmas

    • An inclusive umbrella term for sexual and gender identities outside heteronormative or cisnormative and binary categories (e.g. genderqueer)

    • CAUTION -Historically Derogatory Term - Some reclaim it positively, others may not identify with it; always confirm patient preference

    • If patient states they are queer consider a follow up question to confirm if this is reference to their sexual orientation or gender or both “Tell me more about what your queer identity includes”

    • A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one gender, though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree.

    • Sometimes used interchangeably with pansexual.

    • Consider This - Bi Erasure (Bisexual Erasure) = The tendency to ignore, deny, or misrepresent bisexual identities in healthcare, research, or social contexts leads to invisibility and gaps in care.

    • An umbrella term used to describe an individual whose gender identity is different than what was assigned at birth

    • Includes transgender women (assigned male at birth however are women), transgender men (assigned female at birth however are men), nonbinary, genderfluid, genderqueer etc.

    • Latin root Trans = “across from” or “opposite of” VS. Cis = “same as”

    • These folx may or may not pursue social, medical, or surgical gender affirmation

    • Individuals who are not exclusively male or female in their gender identity.

    • They may used terms such as nonbinary, genderqueer, agender, or genderfluid to self describe

    • A medical term used to describe individuals born with variations in sex characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, gonads, or anatomy) that do not fit historical definitions of male or female

    • CAUTION - Avoid outdated and stigmatizing language such as hermaphrodite

HRC Glossary of Terms
Pronouns.org

Cultural Competency with a Queer Lens

  • Use inclusive, gender-neutral language (e.g., “partner” instead of “boyfriend/girlfriend”) and ask what terms individuals use do not assume.

  • Ask about sexual orientation and gender identity, never assume.

  • Avoid outdated or stigmatizing terms; use patient-chosen name and their pronouns. Be sure to share yours as well.

  • Recognize LGBTQ+ people exist across all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

  • Create visibly inclusive spaces (rainbow symbols, inclusive brochures, pronoun badges).

  • Include SOGIE and pronoun options on intake forms and EHRs.

  • Train all staff — clinical and administrative — in affirming and trauma informed communication.

  • Acknowledge past negative healthcare experiences; build trust through respect and privacy.

  • Explain confidentiality and nondiscrimination policies at each visit.

  • Screen routinely for depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use.

  • Provide comprehensive sexual health screening based on anatomy and behaviors, not identity.

  • Address health disparities and minority stress as core clinical concerns.

  • Offer referrals to LGBTQ+ affirming specialists and community resources.

  • Practice cultural humility, ongoing learning, self-reflection, and openness to feedback.

  • Affirm identity, do not pathologize it.

Inclusive Conversation starters for sexual health:

When it comes to talking about sex and sexual health histories consider:

  • Asking about behaviors, not labels (oral, anal, genital, toy use, etc.).

  • Use anatomy-based questions to determine appropriate STI screening sites.

  • Discuss pregnancy potential and contraception when relevant.

  • Include conversations on pleasure, consent, and safety.

  • Recommend safer-sex practices: condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, lube.

  • Avoid assumptions based on gender identity or appearance.