From ‘Shark-Week’ to ‘Mangina’: An Analysis of Words Used by People of Marginalized Sexual Orientations and/or Gender Identities to Replace Common Sexual and Reproductive Health Terms

Abstract

Purpose: To explore sexual and reproductive health (SRH)-related word-use among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals in the United States. Methods: In 2019, we fielded an online quantitative survey on the SRH experiences of SGM adults. Eligible participants included transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive (TGE) people assigned female or intersex at birth, and cisgender sexual minority women (CSMW) in the United States. The survey asked participants to indicate if they used each of nine SRH terms, and if not, to provide the word(s) they used. We analyzed patterns in replacement words provided by respondents and tested for differences by gender category with tests of proportions.Results: Among 1704 TGE and 1370 CSMW respondents, 613 (36%) TGE respondents and 92 (7%) CSMW respondents replaced at least 1 SRH term ( p-for-difference < 0.001). Many (23%) replacement words/phrases were entirely unique. For six out of the nine terms, TGE respondents indicated that use of the provided term would depend on the context, the term did not apply to them, or they did not have a replacement word/phrase that worked for them. Conclusions: SRH terms commonly used in clinical and research settings cause discomfort and dysphoria among some SGM individuals. To address inequities in access to and quality of SRH care among SGM individuals, and to overcome long standing fear of mistreatment in clinical settings, more intentional word-use and elicitation from providers and researchers could increase the quality and affirming nature of clinical and research experiences for SGM people.

Familiar Infections in Novel Anatomy: Patient Reports of Sexually Transmitted Infections After Gender-Affirming Penile Reconstruction

“…Patients use diverse terminology and describe their retained natal vagina, including male-coded or gender-neutral terms such as “front hole,” “behind balls,” or “outer opening” rather than using anatomical terms. Patients may prefer not to discuss this anatomy verbally at all 28 . In an extensive analysis of language preferences for anatomical terms, Klein and Golub 29 found that transmasculine respondents who had undergone hysterectomy or other genital surgery were significantly less likely to prefer female-associated terminology such as vagina, with only 30% of this group preferring this terminology.…”

“…Patients may prefer not to discuss this anatomy verbally at all. 28 In an extensive analysis of language preferences for anatomical terms, Klein and Golub 29 found that transmasculine respondents who had undergone hysterectomy or other genital surgery were significantly less likely to prefer female-associated terminology such as vagina, with only 30% of this group preferring this terminology. We present a simple algorithm based on the clinical experience of the authors for the screening of localized genital infections, namely, chlamydia and gonorrhea, after gender-affirming penile reconstruction (Fig.…”

Gender- and Sexual Orientation– Based Inequities: Promoting Inclusion, Visibility, and Data Accuracy in Oncology

“…74 Using terminology that reflects patients' experiences, identities, and terminology for their bodies is of utmost importance, particularly in oncology contexts because some related conditions are associated with increased risks of particular cancers. 75,76 For example, Klinefelter syndrome (47XXY) may be associated with an increased risk of lymphoma and breast cancer compared with those without Klinefelter syndrome. Androgen insensitivity syndrome is associated with increased risk of testicular cancer for patients with cryptorchidism compared with the general population.…”

Perinatal considerations for care of transgender and nonbinary people: a narrative review

“…The concerns of one TGNB individual cannot be applied to all TGNB individuals. Further, TGNB patients have an array of feelings and preferences toward reproductive healthcare, language use, and what may cause dysphoria [18]. For example, some TGNB people describe breast/chestfeeding as dysphoric whereas others find it empowering.…”