Poster at the GP surgery

[FondOfOwls]

I recently went to register at a new GP surgery, due to moving house.
Then, upon leaving I noticed a huge, hand made poster stating 'Woman? Transman? Non binary?? Get your cervix checked'.
In general I don't mind this phrase when called for a smear, but it made me feel very uncomfortable-I have a DD6 who would no doubt question it if she noticed it.
I think I'd just tell her it's still women and rather tell her what cervix is, but AIBU to feel it is not appropriate? I'd also worry someone could challenge me if they heard me saying that to my DD.
Receptionist sporting a rainbow lanyard of course.
Feeling a bit disheartened as I spent HOURS filling in the paperwork for them, and the next nearest surgery is not very good and not very close.

Your 6 year old could read that? I'm surprised.

I'm not sure why the poster made you so uncomfortable that you thought about leaving the surgery.

I think it’s fine. It’s cervical screening. It’s clear it’s women (some communications spoke about cervix owners only and don’t include ‘women’ which is not ok as it won’t be understood by everyone).

why is a poster going to stop you using the doctor surgery?? You could always complain to the surgery about it

Ugh. Can you complain?

If you don’t usually mind this phrasing, why do you mind in this instance? If someone is adamant they are not a woman even though they have a cervix then this covers them. It still uses the word woman and while I personally think that word includes everyone with a cervix it’s clear that other people think differently.

Yes my daughter could very easily read that, she's a good reader. She could have probably read it at the age of 5!
@TheOccupier I think the receptionist with the rainbow lanyard is the admin manager- would the complaint go to her?
I am happy for the wording but maybe on a huge poster in a teeny waiting room? Just send it in a letter. I will be telling my daughter non binary is made up of course, should she ever ask.
I hope they will swap the poster after the summer.

It’s frustrating - why the NHS panders to the ludicrous idea you can change sex is ridiculous

but at least it says women at the top and plainly says what is they need to do

they’ll be following their PCN policy on this. That’s where to direct comments

I think this is as good as it’s going to get going forward. At least they said ‘women’ and not something awful like “cervix havers”.

I could live with that. It's silly but at least it's clear without compromising women. Hopefully this stuff will start to fall out of fashion soon! I'd keep your doctors place.

Because a transman (someone biologically female) and non binary who are biologically female, have cervix’s so they need to get them checked?

Perhaps I am not 'happy' but I understand some women who rather call themselves something else might need extra care accessing women's services. I do not want to have this conversation with my young child who believes in the tooth fairy.

Lots of posters in a GP’s surgery might raise questions from a child. They’re aimed at adults. This talks about women. I don’t see the big problem tbh

Wouldn't bother me tbh.

At least its not shite like
"cervix owner" or some such.

Kids ask awkward questions, just answer.as best you can, no point making a deal out of something imagined and not happened.

It's the least offensive way of ensuring everyone that needs a smear goes for one.

Thanks. I would explain to my daughter that sometimes women do not like to call themselves that, it is a belief, but then I started overthinking I would get in trouble if someone heard me say it.
Probably for no reason as the surgery was full of elderly people, probably with little interest in the matter, more worried about their aches and pains.

@quockerwodger Oh yes that old chestnut! You're right, at least not 'cervix owners'!

I think the poster is fine. If your daughter asks you a question, you can kill two birds with one stone: explain what a cervix is and explain that some women call themselves trans and/or non-binary but they’re all female and therefore have a cervix. If she presses you on why some women don’t refer to themselves as women, you can explain about different belief systems ie. We don’t/do believe in God and that’s OK - we don’t all believe the same things and you can’t be forced to etc. Great learning opportunity I’d say.

The lanyards different - you could do KJK but you might suddenly find the surgery has no more space for you😉

Nooo, not doing a KJK!

This one wouldn't bother me. They've used the word women not cis women or cervix havers. Some people do refer to themselves as trans men or non-binary and they should be spoken to also from a medical point of view.

I think it's fine. Your daughter probably won't ask but if she does just explain clearly that some people use different words to describe themselves but all those groups have a female body and so need the same medical checks.

@RepresentMe I think my daughter would probably be ok with that explanation. I am concerned someone would challenge me over it if overheard!

If you're worried about being challenged by staff then perhaps talk to your daughter outside the surgery or in a quiet voice away from the reception area so you're not overheard.

Just explain what a cervix is which, by the way is a narrowing, like a neck: the word cervical means relating to a neck like area. That’s why we have a cervical spine and other areas that are cervical in the body.

“A smear test checks the neck like narrowing in the uterus, where babies grow before they are born. Some women like to live as though they are men and this poster is reminding everyone who needs one to get a smear test.”

Really - and I’m GC- I think anything more is unnecessary.

It is crucial for your daughter to know that she must have these when she’s older: this point is the most important.

But I’d be grateful if she also gets the language lesson and comes out of this knowing what “cervical “ correctly means.

I call BS.

You are judgemental of the poster, your 6 year old will not have even noticed it or been interested in it, let alone read and understand what non-binary, trans or a cervix is.

What does it matter the receptionist was wearing a rainbow lanyard, would you be as critical if she wore a sunflower lanyard?

I think it's very sensible not to broach these subjects in public! The public climate is still quite treacherous.

Your DD is clearly intelligent - will she accept simple dismissals of the subject such as "It's just something for adults" or "It's something I'll tell you about when you're a bit older?" Ususlly worked on my DCs especially if immediately followed up by a question on Mario or Sonic!