Speak Out April 2021

Gender and sexuality literacy Firstly, when you refer to someone’s sex you are talking about that person’s body, specifically three anatomical characteristics including chromosomes, physical formation of the reproductive system, and functioning of the endocrine system. Gender identity on the other hand is your innate knowledge. When someone experiences gender dysphoria, it refers to their discomfort or distress that is caused by the discrepancy between their gender identity and gender assigned at birth. A person might express their gender in many ways. I often like to think about my own gender expression to understand this concept. What type of clothing do I prefer? What are my mannerisms? It is important to highlight that norms can be socially and culturally influenced. Someone’s sexuality is about who you are attracted to sexually and romantically. There is a plethora of sexualities, and we can never assume someone’s sexuality based on their gender identity and/or gender expression. In fact, that is a good point to reinforce. None of these concepts can be assumed, we must stay curious and mindfully ask. Affirmative and inclusive practice As speech-language pathologists, we get the privilege to meet people from all walks of life so it is inevitable that you will cross paths with a young person or adult who is diverse in gender or sexuality. Providing affirmative and inclusive practice might include: • asking and affirming a young person’s name and pronouns. This would include the use of names and pronouns on files, in reports and during meetings, • ensure records are changed and reception staff alerted, • being aware that treating someone differently based on their gender identity or sexuality can cause harm, • spending time to understand personal biases to prevent overt discrimination and microaggressions. communication needs to talk about their gender and sexuality. ...speech-language pathologists can support young people with

Claire Barbagallo

How can we support these conversations? Speech-language pathologists can play an integral role in a multidisciplinary team to provide assessment and intervention/treatment in a way that is accessible and inclusive. Through our language framework, we are skilled in developing and scaffolding a young person’s understanding and use of:

• semantics • questions

• emotional literacy • identity formation • narratives • social communication.

Through deconstructing concepts, stories, and the use of visuals, speech-language pathologists can support young people with communication needs to have a shared language. When young people have the skills to talk about something so personal such as gender identity or sexuality it positively impacts their well-being and feelings of safety in our world. They feel understood and connected. Speech- language pathologists can give people, especially young people, a voice to speak their truth. For more information: Australian Standard of Care and Treatment Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Adolescents Queensland Children’s Gender Service (QCGS)

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April 2021 | Speak Out