Gender identity

Definition

Gender identity is an individual's personal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It can encompass a range of identities beyond the binary categories of male and female.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation; it refers to one's internal understanding of their gender.
2. In healthcare, respecting a patient's gender identity improves trust and health outcomes.
3. Certain medications may be prescribed to affirm a transgender or nonbinary individual's gender identity, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
4. Understanding a patient's gender identity can influence the choice and dosage of drugs used in treatment plans.
5. Pharmacological treatments should take into account potential interactions between hormone therapies and other medications.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes gender identity from sexual orientation?
• How does recognizing a patient's gender identity impact their healthcare experience?
• Why is it important for nurses to consider hormone therapy interactions when treating transgender patients?

Related terms

Transgender:

A term describing individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Nonbinary:

A term for people whose gender identity doesn't fit within traditional male or female categories.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

Medical treatment in which hormones are given to align an individual's physical attributes with their gender identity.