Caring for nonbinary patients

Abstract

Nonbinary is an umbrella term that encompasses any person whose gender identity is outside the binary construct of man or woman . An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States identify as nonbinary, a number that most likely will continue to increase as the visibility of people who live outside binary gender increases in our society. Healthcare providers are likely to encounter nonbinary patients but may lack confidence in treating these patients appropriately. This article describes terminology, concepts, and suggestions for clinicians to provide basic respectful and competent care for nonbinary patients.