Gender Identity

Gender and sex are two different terms that are often incorrectly used interchangeably and people can get confused about the differences between them. The reason for this is that for many people, their gender and sex mean the same thing to them, so it can be difficult to separate them out and understand that they are individual things.

When we look at gender, it actually has nothing to do with our sex, biology or reproductive systems. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines gender as the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles, behaviours and relationships of and between groups of women and men. These attributes are more about masculinity and femininity than male or female and when individuals or groups do not “fit” established gender norms they often face stigma, discrimination or social exclusion – all of which adversely affect health. It is important to be sensitive to different identities that do not necessarily fit into binary male or female sex categories. Some people find they do not feel comfortable thinking of themselves as simply either male or female. As their gender does not conform to traditional Western ideas of gender as binary, they may describe themselves as non-binary people. Feelings around gender identity can be permanent or can change and be expressed differently at different times.

When attending any sexual health clinics in Lanarkshire, it is extremely helpful if you are able to be honest and disclose your gender identity to the health professionals at your appointment. We understand not everyone is comfortable discussing this, but your information will be treated sensitively and confidentially and it is important so that staff can provide you with the correct care and advice.