Rural generalists work across multiple settings with one commonality: we rarely know what our next patient will have as their presenting issue. Some presentations may be unfamiliar or confronting, especially if we’re underprepared to manage them—such as a first presentation of a transgender or gender diverse patient, where their gender may or may not directly relate to their presenting issue.

This workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge to approach a first consult with a transgender or gender diverse patient, in rural generalist practice settings, including:
• The impact of bias and discrimination on transgender and gender diverse people and their access to health services
• What is affirmative care and how can you practice affirmatively?
• How to discuss pronouns, names and use appropriate language
• What to do if you say the wrong thing
• What is “trans broken arm syndrome”? How can you avoid it?
• Signalling safety in your practice and on your person
• Exploring gender and sexuality with a patient.

These issues will be discussed with facilitators in small rotating groups with case discussion, through a trauma-informed practice lens and in a supportive environment to allow participants to develop useful scripts.