Gender inclusive healthcare practices presented by Max Jones APD (They/ He)
Gender inclusive healthcare respects and supports a client's gender identity. When a person's gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth and is not affirmed, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality result. Approximately 5% of the population identify as trans and gender diverse (TGD) and Accredited Practising Dietitian Max Jones (They/He) invites dietitians to practice gender affirming healthcare to support these clients well.
Inclusive dietetic services are indeed needed. Minority stress contributes to TGD people experiencing generally poorer health outcomes. Cultural pressures amplify the critical intersections of gender standards, body dysmorphia, mental health and eating behaviours. A significant 70% of the TGD population report engaging in disordered eating, or having an eating disorder diagnosis.
Understanding language, gender expansiveness concepts and gender affirming actions is the foundational learning. From there, applications of gender affirming practice in the broad clinical setting, as well as specific nutrition-related considerations are offered in detail.
This is an opportunity for meaningful work. We are invited to reflect on our own history and experience of gender; considering our roles in gender expression, and also, in reinforcing stereotypes. Practising cultural humility, we can own our experiences and limits; we can lean into trauma-informed and client-centred approaches and we can set the scene for creating inclusive and affirming services for the TGD community.
Max Jones is a non-binary trans person and dietitian working in transgender and gender diverse healthcare and nutrition. They are currently working in transgender development healthcare in professional development and education, project delivery and community health administration roles. Max has experience as a peer mentor with LGBTQIA+ people, in recovering from eating disorders and is working towards becoming accredited with the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders in order to support LGBTQIA+ people in this space.
To register for the presentation and associated documents including the assessment quiz click here
You may also be interested in our complimentary presentation by Dr Nate Reid, Working with Trans and Gender Diverse People