Promoting Inclusive Language in Healthcare

A call to the medical community to adopt inclusive language for transgender patients was made, highlighting its importance in improving healthcare access and preventing discrimination.


A practical guide to inclusive and non-sexist language has been presented, highlighting the importance of adapting communication in medical care environments to avoid discomfort for transgender patients and ensure an inclusive environment. Santiago Muñoz Machado, director of the Royal Spanish Academy, emphasized individual responsibility in the proper and respectful use of language to promote a fairer society.

The acceptance of the term "transgender" in the 2024 update of the Dictionary of the Spanish Language reflects a necessary evolution in the inclusion and recognition of diverse identities. In response, a Letter to the Editor of a medical journal was issued to draw attention to the importance of addressing the issue sensitively and empathetically within the medical and scientific community.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in publications on transgender medicine, evidencing greater awareness and sensitivity to the needs of these individuals in society and the medical field. The creation of friendly clinics is highlighted as a strategy to improve the quality and accessibility of care for sexual diversity in the health system.

It is essential that healthcare personnel use inclusive and respectful language with transgender people, recognizing the importance of asking about name and pronoun preferences to ensure dignified treatment. Discrimination and stigma are practices that must be avoided, and it is necessary to raise awareness among all those involved in medical care about the importance of equal and respectful treatment.

Gender reaffirmation surgery and gender identity are presented as crucial elements in the care of transgender individuals, emphasizing the need to provide a caring environment without value judgments or stigmatization. The use of inclusive and non-sexist language is fundamental in all areas of medical care to promote equality and respect for diversity.