NHS Hospital in Great Yarmouth advises staff on language for LGBTQ+ sensitivity

In the United Kingdom, James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth has issued guidance to its staff advising against the use of the phrase 'born male or female' to prevent offending the LGBTQ+ community. Instead, the hospital recommends using 'assigned female/male at birth' to more accurately reflect individuals' experiences. This guidance is part of a broader initiative titled 'Celebrating Pride,' which includes a glossary of LGBTQ+ terminology to promote inclusivity. The document also discourages the use of binary language and terms like 'ladies and gentlemen,' 'both genders,' and 'homosexual,' which are seen as potentially exclusionary or outdated. The guidance has sparked controversy, with critics, including Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, labeling it as 'ludicrous' and 'potentially dangerous.' Lowe argues that the hospital's recommendations undermine biological realities and create confusion regarding gender identity. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the scientific understanding of sex at birth, asserting that the language used should reflect this reality. The hospital's document, which was first published in 2021 and reviewed in June 2024, reflects ongoing debates about gender identity and language in healthcare settings. The Cass Review, conducted in April 2024, raised concerns about the evidence supporting gender transition for children, further complicating the discourse surrounding these issues. As discussions about gender and language continue to evolve, the hospital's guidance highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers in balancing respect for individual identities with adherence to biological facts.