Sex and gender terminology: a glossary for gender-inclusive epidemiology
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Date
2022-06-20
Authors
Rioux, Charlie
Paré, Ash
London-Nadeau, Kira
Juster, Robert Paul
Weedon, Scott
Levasseur-Puhach, Sydney
Freeman, Makayla
Roos, Leslie
Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ
Abstract
There is increased interest in inclusion, diversity and representativeness in epidemiological and community health research. Despite this progress, misunderstanding and conflation of sex and gender have precluded both the accurate description of sex and gender as sample demographics and their inclusion in scientific enquiry aiming to distinguish health disparities due to biological systems, gendered experiences or their social and environmental interactions. The present glossary aims to define and improve understanding of current sex-related and gender-related terminology as an important step to gender-inclusive epidemiological research. Effectively, a proper understanding of sex, gender and their subtleties as well as acknowledgement and inclusion of diverse gender identities and modalities can make epidemiology not only more equitable, but also more scientifically accurate and representative. In turn, this can improve public health efforts aimed at promoting the well-being of all communities and reducing health inequities.
Description
Keywords
sexual and gender minorities, gender identity, LGBT, transgender, non-binary, gender binary, social determinants of health, social epidemiology