Page 79

a world. A hostile confrontation rarely corrects a serious
misunderstanding, and one experience doesn't change a
lifetime of misinformation.

I know physicians who refer sexual minority

patients to me, because they realize they cannot render
nonjudgmental care. This is a positive step for the
practitioner, not dumping. In a perfect world, they would
be more willing to change their attitudes, but referring
to a more understanding practitioner is a very important
first step. Continuing medical education courses often do
not address the issues of sexual minorities; I hope they
will in the future.

If you go to the hospital. If you're checking into the

hospital for an elective (that is, non-emergency) procedure,
once again, it's a good idea to be straightforward and
clear most hospitals have seen it all.

If your gender presentation is ambiguous, or if your

biological gender is different from your apparent gender,
make that clear when you check in. The hospital may wish
to arrange for a single room for you to avoid problems.
Additionally, some medications and procedures vary
according to gender.

Tell the hospital (usually, your admitting nurse) about

any metal body jewelry that they can't see.

If you have a non-traditional family structure, it's a

good idea to bring copies of any relevant paperwork such
as durable powers of attorney for health care. You can
also leave requests about who may and may not visit you
while you're in the hospital, and who is and who is not
entitled to information about your condition.