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Q | How can I safely stand up for my healthcare rights?
Here are some ways to stand up for your healthcare rights. When you take action, always keep your safety in mind (action steps below are listed in order of increasing risk):
Low-Moderate Risk
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Learn more about your rights.
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Talk to a trusted person about concerns for your rights.
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Call or write to your lawmakers to express your concerns.
Moderate-High Risk
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Submit a complaint to your healthcare organization regarding patient discrimination.
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Talk to a lawyer if you believe your rights have been violated.
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File a discrimination complaint with your local human rights commission, if applicable.
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Give testimony during legislative hearings.
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Attend lawful protests.
For more details, see Tools for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People to Address Discrimination→ from the Transgender Law Center.
Example. A trans woman with HIV is concerned about discriminatory treatment based on her race, gender identity, and HIV status while in the hospital. When her primary nurse refuses to stop using gloves unnecessarily during her care, she brings the issue to the attention of the charge nurse, who acknowledges her concerns and changes the nursing assignment.
Example. A trans man shares his personal story of long COVID to advocate for better healthcare at an LGBTQ+ community health event.
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Q | How can I stand up for the healthcare rights of people in my support network and my community?
Here are some ways to stand up for the healthcare rights of people in your community. When you take action, always keep your safety in mind (action steps are listed in order of increasing risk):
Low-Moderate Risk
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Learn about policies affecting healthcare in your community.
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Listen to people in your support network and community about their concerns.
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Call or write to your lawmakers to express concerns about your community.
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Comment on legislation affecting healthcare for trans and gender-expansive people.
Moderate-High Risk
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Support someone you know who would like to file a healthcare discrimination complaint.
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Give testimony during legislative hearings.
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Attend lawful protests.
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Q | When should I speak up about misgendering in healthcare settings?
While the answer to this question depends on your unique situation, consider first whether it’s (1) safe to speak up and (2) worth it to speak up. If you do not feel safe addressing misgendering from your doctor or other healthcare workers, consider asking a trusted support person to help you or consider transferring your care to a different provider. If you are not going to interact with the person who misgendered you on an ongoing basis, you may decide to hold off on bringing it up unless it becomes a pattern. On the other hand, if misgendering continues and is causing you distress, consider discussing the issue with your provider or reporting it to an administrator.
If you’re unsure about whether to speak up, ask yourself:
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Am I safe to speak up for myself?
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What will I gain by advocating for myself?
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Who could advocate for me if needed?
Example. A nonbinary person decided not to correct individual healthcare workers who used the wrong pronouns since they rarely saw the same care assistants twice. Instead, they decided to raise their concerns with their healthcare provider who agreed to re-train staff about the proper use of patient pronouns.
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Q | Who can stand up for my healthcare rights if I become unable?
Members of your support network can stand up for you if you become unable. To ensure that a person who knows and respects your wishes is the one to advocate for you, you can name a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions for you if you become unable. If applicable, a guardian or legal representative may advocate for you instead. See more information on the my Plans page.
You may also be able to request a patient advocate to speak up for your rights. A patient advocate is a person who helps guide a patient through the health care system, assisting with things like:
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Making medical appointments
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Resolving conflicts with providers or health plans
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Finding social support opportunities
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Connecting you with financial and legal resources
You can find a patient advocate through your hospital, long-term care facility, insurance provider, employer, and the following resources:
Note. Private patient advocates usually charge a fee for service.
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Q | How do I testify for trans rights?
When you testify for trans rights, you can highlight personal experiences, expertise, and data to support or oppose a proposed law or policy. Advocates for Trans Equality has prepared a comprehensive guide about testifying for your rights→.