gender-affirming care | Campus Safe Words

TERM: gender-affirming care
RISK LEVEL: extreme

Definition

“Gender-affirming care” refers to medical, psychological, or social interventions intended to support an individual’s gender identity, which may include counseling, hormone therapy, puberty blockers, or surgical procedures. In higher education, the term appears in student health services, clinical training programs, grant applications, and public health research—especially in contexts involving transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Why It’s Risky

“Gender-affirming care” is now among the most politically and legally sensitive terms in public institutions. In states such as Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas, legislation has been enacted to ban or restrict access to gender-affirming treatments for minors and to prohibit public funding or endorsement of such care. Under this legal landscape, institutional references to “gender-affirming care” in health centers, curriculum, or policy documents can be interpreted as promoting contested medical practices or endorsing political ideologies about gender identity. Public universities offering or endorsing this type of care may face state-level audits, legal restrictions, or funding challenges—especially if minors are served or the language is used in mandatory training or external communications.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that “gender-affirming care” promotes irreversible or experimental medical interventions, particularly for adolescents, without sufficient long-term data or full informed consent. In conservative policy circles, the term is viewed as ideological, masking what some lawmakers describe as medical harm or political activism. Use of the term in educational settings is frequently cited as evidence of institutional alignment with progressive social agendas rather than academic neutrality or clinical objectivity. Public officials have challenged whether state-funded institutions should be involved in referring, promoting, or training students in gender-affirming care practices. In some cases, colleges and universities have been pressured to remove references to the term from websites, course catalogs, or clinic materials to maintain compliance with state law or retain legislative support.

Suggested Substitutes

Medical services aligned with current clinical standards (in health services or nursing programs)
Supportive care options for student well-being (in counseling or student life materials)
Mental health and wellness resources (in outreach or residential life programming)
Training in patient-centered care (in academic or clinical instruction)
Compliance with state-regulated health services (in policy or administrative documentation)

These alternatives emphasize professionalism and legal alignment without signaling endorsement of contested practices.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Gender-affirming care” may be appropriate in academic research, federally funded grant applications, or medical education programs when required by clinical or disciplinary standards. It may also appear in coursework focused on gender, ethics, or public health when the term is clearly defined and presented for scholarly analysis. In public-facing documents, policy language, or any programming tied to state funds or under legislative oversight, use extreme caution and ensure all content aligns with applicable law.

NOTES: Avoid using “gender-affirming care” in institutional policies, required training, or student health materials unless explicitly required by federal grant language or accrediting bodies. Focus on legally compliant, patient-centered, and academically grounded terminology. Always verify state-specific restrictions and ensure institutional messaging does not imply endorsement of practices banned or regulated under current law.