Gender and Sex, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

What is Nonbinary?

A gender identity included under the dimension of gender identity that does not fit neatly into strictly male or female categories.

Defining Sexual Orientation

A multidimensional construct encompassing emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction, identity, and behavior.

Defining Gender Identity

A person’s deeply felt, internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond to the person’s physiology or designated sex at birth.

Microaggressions and Impact on Care

(Note: Addressed via broader structural/stigma factors in slides) Lack of inclusive practices, misgendering, and wrong pronouns lead to decreased trust, unwillingness to access healthcare, and poor health outcomes.

Structural Contributors to Health Disparities for LGBTQIA+

Stigma, discrimination, policies/practices that do not affirm gender and identity, lack of inclusive practices in healthcare/educational institutions, and laws/policies with negative consequences.

Gender and Discrimination

Federal Law (Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964) prohibits discrimination based on sex; NJ Law dictates individuals be free of gender inequity or bias in pay, compensation, or benefits.

Avoiding Stigma in the Workplace

Addressing knowledge deficits about health needs

eliminating transphobia

stopping gossiping

preventing misgendering/wrong pronouns

implementing robust policies to reduce stigma and workplace phobia.

Instead of homosexual use:

Use Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual

Instead of Biologically Male/Female use:

Assigned/Designated Male or Female At Birth

Instead of Hermaphrodite use:

Person with intersex traits

Instead of Gay Community use:

LGBTQIA community

Instead of Wife/Husband/Girlfriend/Boyfriend use:

Partner

Instead of assuming use of he/she/hers pronouns use:

Use they/their or their name

Instead of Mother/father

Use parent/parent to be

Instead of Sexual or Gender Preference use:

Sexual orientation or gender identity

Outcomes of Stigma for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Rejection

Discrimination

Economic Hardship

Poor health

Healthcare barriers

How can heart attack symptoms present differently in women?

• Nausea, indigestion, or upset stomach

• Shortness of breath

• Unusual fatigue

• Upper-body discomfort

• Chest discomfort

What might women mistake heart attack symptoms for?

Acid reflux or indigestion.

What do 2025 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend for suspected heart attack?

• 12-lead ECG: Within 10 minutes.

• High-sensitivity cardiac troponin: As soon as possible.

Allyship

Demonstrating respect for gender and sexuality beliefs and practices, using inclusive language, ensuring non-judgmental care, and actively working to eliminate health disparities and stigma at all levels.

Use of Pronouns

Respecting a person's identity by avoiding assumptions (he/she/hers) and using they/their or the individual's name/preferred pronouns to prevent misgendering.

Why are women often misdiagnosed?

• Symptoms are overlooked or dismissed.

• Pain and concerns are not taken seriously.

• Less attention to pain management.

Results of misdiagnosis in women

Unsafe care and delayed treatment.

Inclusive Campus Climates

Providing gender-neutral bathrooms/housing

eliminating physical/psychological harassment and slurs

reducing the need for students to alter dress/appearance to avoid discrimination

supporting mental health to prevent depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.