LGBTIA+

This awareness has made me acutely conscious of the history of both my profession (medicine generally and spcifically Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and of the ways in which those who came before me (or may be still working) have caused many people within (and beyond) the LGBTIQA+ community to feel disenfranchised, judged, excluded or concerned about whether they can be open about their bodies, relationships, reproductive goals, issues and concerns.

I will always try to make everyone, regardless of their race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression feel welcome and respected in my practice. I will do my best not to make assumptions about you, your relationships, your sexual practices, your reproductive goals or your body. I will also use the name and pronouns you ask me to use (and please feel free to let me know if I forget to ask). Also know that during any part of the history taking (or during an examiation) please know you can always ask to pause or stop or redirect.

I also recognise I may not always get everything right. If at any time I seem to be making assumptions which are incorrect please correct me. Incorrect assumptions at their mildest are hurtful but in medicine can lead to incorrect diagnosis or management. As doctor and patient it is incredibly important we are on the same page and if not, we should try and get there together.

I (there are a lot of paragraphs starting with “I” on this page) am also aware that some within the LGBTIA+ community may not wish to pursue a biologic family for any number of reasons (and that is completely valid). But for those who do, your sexual orientation or gender identity should not be a barrier to embarking on parenthood. I am partnered with Monash IVF and all the marketing power they have to recruit donor gametes (sperm/eggs/embryos) to allow those who may be missing some essential building blocks, to start or extend their families.

These services may include:

• Donor eggs

• Donor sperm

• Intrauterine (Artificial) Insemination

• IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation)

• Fertility preservation, including egg or sperm freezing

• Fertility preservation prior to gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery

I recognise that accessing gynaecological care can be particularly challenging for trans and gender-diverse people. While I cannot guarantee a non-awkward process, I will work with you to make examinations and discussions as comfortable and respectful as possible.

For some trans and gender-diverse people, thinking about fertility before commencing gender-affirming treatment may be important. This could include talking about egg or sperm freezing before hormone therapy or surgery. These conversations care sensitive, and I will always aim to approach them in the context of you as an individual rather than making assumptions about whether having biologically/genetically related children is something you want.

It is important to know, there is no single pathway to creating a family and remember, there is no particular type of family that is more "normal" than another. Everyone is different, my role is to help in any way I can with whatever issue (gynaecology or fertility related) I can and to remember (as my children’s book says) “We Are All Equal”