TALKING TO A FLUID PERSON TO DO NOT TO DO Actively listen to the person and respect their identity. Ask for pronouns and preferred name and use them correctly. Adapt to changes in gender identity if the person changes over time. Respect the person's self-determination and right to privacy regarding their gender identity. Create a safe and inclusive environment where people can express themselves freely. Respond with empathy to the person's experiences of discrimination or hardship. Promote self-awareness and psychological support, when necessary. Be flexible in your approach and ready to adapt to the person's needs. Don t make assumptions about a person s gender or identity. Don t use the wrong name or pronoun or ignore a person s preference. Don t judge or invalidate a gender fluid identity with phrases like make up your mind or get it straight . Don t minimise a gender fluid person s experience by saying it s just a phase or a whim. Don t impose rigid gender categories or force a person to conform to a traditional norm. Don t ignore or overlook any challenges they may face with discrimination or social inclusion. Don t use offensive language or gender-related derisive terms. Don t ask for intimate details about their identity if they re not ready to share them. Don t exclude gender fluid people from conversations or social activities for fear of making mistakes. Don t assume that all non-binary or gender fluid people have the same experiences or desires. Role-play PROBLEM Exercise 1: A health worker supports a patient who is anxious about an appointment Exercise 2: A person who normally identifies as a woman has a masculine appearance Respect gender identity Use sensitive communication Create an inclusive environment Promote respect and understanding AIMS Location: hospital waiting room Characters: health worker, patient Case-study: Alex communicates that she wants to be called by the name of Anna and the health worker, seeing her agitated, tells her that if she likes, she can find a quieter place for her to wait. Anna thanks her, saying that she is fine where she is and that she appreciates having been able to express her need to be called by another name. EXERCISE 1 Location: dentist s office Characters: patient and dental assistant Case-study: Martina shows up dressed in typical men's clothing for a dental visit. The dental assistant, Claudia, doesn't know her very well yet, but she has noticed the outfit. She asks Martina's preferred pronouns, and she asks to be called "he" or "they". Claudia respects Martina's preferences, creating an inclusive and comfortable environment. EXERCISE 2 8.1 HANDS ON 367