Your identity deserves respect.
Information for trans and gender diverse people.
Have people used a name or form of address that does not represent you?
Being trans does not determine your health, your body or your sexual practices. You deserve to be listened to without turning your identity into the explanation for any problem.
Say how you want to be addressed
You can indicate your name and pronouns. If there is different administrative data, ask them to explain how they will protect your privacy.
[3, 4]
Your body is not a curiosity
Intimate questions should have a purpose relevant to your care. You can ask why that information is needed.
[3, 8]
Not everything is about being trans
The reason for your visit deserves attention in its own right. No diagnosis, practice or treatment should be assumed from your identity.
[4, 8]
Ask about your options
Ask for clear information about an examination or test before deciding. Explain what helps you feel comfortable and safe.
[8]
Seek support from people who understand
You can contact a trans organisation, peer support group or trusted professional. Choose who to share with and how much to tell them.
[8]
You do not have to face mistreatment alone
If it feels safe, ask people to correct your name or the way they address you. You can seek support to consider your next steps.
[3, 8]
Care should focus on what you need.
You do not need to justify your identity to deserve respect. Services also have a responsibility to provide inclusive care.
You can say: “Please use this name, and let us talk in private.”
Sources and further information
- [3] SEISIDA · HIV-friendly words (2023) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered language, treatment preferences and consultation environment. Biomedical data are compared with WHO.
- [4] UNAIDS / UNAIDS · Terminology (2024) (opens another tab) ↗
Avoid labels, assumptions and stigmatizing language.
- [8] WHO / WHO · Key populations (2022) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered care and barrier reduction. Key populations does not equate to all stigma.info audiences.
Editorial adaptation of principles of dignity, communication and person-centered care. The phrases and questions are practical proposals, not literal quotes or a guarantee of specific services or rights. Results from the Spanish study on HIV are not generalized to this population.
Professional, community and language review pending.
Edition: 18/10/2026
Contact: Antonio Martín · MOBHOPE · antonio.martin@iisgm.com
Do not send diagnoses or personal documents to this address.
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