I Know Your Language, Let’s Talk About Life

This presentation will address how we, as providers, have been able to successfully break down barriers with neurodiverse, trans and gender diverse individuals through an unconventional means: a shared language of “geek talk”, in which we connect with patients using their pop cultural interests. With individuals from these groups often feeling alienated by their providers due to their marginalized identities, there are big possibilities to reach those who have lost trust in the system by speaking their favorite “language”. By validating their passion for geek culture, we have actively motivated our patients to grow trust in us, putting us in a better position to help them navigate an already complicated world. By embracing this type of communication, professionals can consider the use of pop culture to start meaningful conversations, putting aside perceptions of their patients’ identities in favor of pop culture dialogue. It is our hope that dialogue made in this manner will aid in establishing rapport, building stronger provider-patient relationships.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the importance of providing a positive experience to Trans and gender diverse individuals seeking gender-affirming care.

2. Recognize the importance of accepting ones gender-identity without letting individual perceptions get in the way.

3. Describe the importance of validating individuals fears and establishing a safe environment for individuals to open up by using pop-culture interests.

4. Recognize the need of the patient for being treated like an “ordinary person” and not make them feel as if they are not some sort of “anomaly”