Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

28 • Massage Therapy Journal

Examples might include a transgender man or nonbinary client who recently had “top surgery” to have breast tissue removed, or a transgender woman who underwent breast enhancement surgery to feel more comfortable in her body. (Remember, cisgender people receive these types of surgeries too—such as breast enhancement, rhinoplasty and liposuction, for example, to feel better in their bodies—which shows that gender affirming procedures aren’t only for the trans community). In both cases, your clients may need extra upper body work to relieve tight musculature as a result of the surgery. Treat these clients the same as you would a client who underwent a double mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis, or a cisgender woman who recently had breast augmentation: comfortable bolstering, lymphatic drainage if appropriate and, most of all, with respect and privacy. Unless a previous surgery or hormone therapy is necessary information for you to know prior to their massage (it’s usually not), then it’s usually not OK to ask a transgender person about any gender-affirming medical procedures they may have had. If you wouldn’t ask a cisgender woman about her estrogen supplements or surgery from 10 years ago, then it’s not necessary for you to ask these questions of your transgender and nonbinary clients either. 4. Are there words or phrases I should avoid using? Language around this subject changes with every generation. “Transsexual” used to be the common nomenclature—and may still be used by some trans elders, to be sure—but the term has largely been replaced by the word “transgender” today. The same can be true of other words and phrases. “Born in the wrong body” isn’t necessarily appropriate because trans people’s bodies are perfect the way they are, regardless of whether they feel the need (or have the

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Where Can I Learn More ? When my son told me he was a boy over 14 years ago, I had no idea what that meant or where to find more information to help me guide him to become the sensitive, articulate, intelligent, helpful, talented, goofy young man that he is today. Fortunately, there are more resources available today to help everyone better understand LGBTQ people and how to be inclusive when serving your LGBTQ clients. Some organizations you might consider to learn more about creating inclusive practice include: • The National Center for Transgender Equality; transequality.org

• GLAAD; glaad.org • PFLAG; pflag.org

• The GenderCool Project; gendercool.org • The Trevor Project; thetrevorproject.org

All of these organizations are focused on lifting up the voices of LGBTQ people and encouraging and educating the rest of us on how to manifest a safer and more supportive world—and practice space—for vulnerable populations.

raising our clients’ self-esteem and overall sense of well-being. Be sure to make a note of their chosen name and correct pronouns in your scheduling and billing software, too, so everyone from your practice who may interact with your LGBTQ clients can be using the name and pronouns that make these clients feel their best. 3. Can I ask a trans client about any gender affirming surgeries or hormone therapies? In some circumstances, gender affirming procedures may be relevant information.

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