How to Identify and Connect with an Affirming Provider

As an affirming provider, I don’t want you to simply take my word for it. I’m not the only one and I fully support your right to choose the person who fits your needs and style best. Trust me, I am not everyone’s “cup of tea”.

A local agency put together a great resource I was introduced to last year. Phoenix Counseling Services in Gettysburg, PA is the resource for the following list:

Questions and Suggestions

• Does the provider use your correct name and pronouns?

• Is the provider educated on LGBTQIAP+ concerns?

• Visit the provider’s website and look at the language used.

  • Is it affirming?

  • Are pronouns on provider bio?

  • Do they use language like pregnant person instead of women’s services?

• Word of mouth is powerful; check in with other community members and read online reviews.

• Look at the digital patient forms:

  • What are the options provided for gender markers?

  • What abbout affectual orientation?

• Does the provider have pronouns listed on business cards, emails, social media?

• Are there clear signs that the office is affirming when you visit or if its an online practice, there are signs that the practice is affirming.

• The provider has other LGBTQIAP+ community information readily available.

  
  

I’m sure that there are other signs that we could look for, and as the world is rapidly changing, new signs are sure to come.

What tells you that a person or practice is affirming?