This story is part of a UC San Francisco series to promote greater awareness and understanding of gender identity and the use of a person’s lived name to foster acceptance, inclusion and belonging.
How does the Gender Recognition and Lived Name Policy affect you personally? Or how do you imagine or hope it might affect you?
Since moving to San Francisco and joining UCSF, I’ve finally felt comfortable and safe expressing my true self.
It was during my time as a new faculty member that I began my social and medical transition, identifying as a genderqueer person and as a transgender woman. A significant part of this journey was choosing a name that truly reflects who I am today.
My parents originally gave me an English name to help me assimilate while growing up in the South, but it was important for me to reconnect with my Vietnamese heritage. My chosen name, Sen, means lotus flower in Vietnamese, symbolizing a period of growth and transformation in my life.
Thanks to the Gender Recognition and Lived Name Policy, I’m able to use my chosen name at work and on formal documents across the University of California system, which affirms my identity every day. As a health care provider in the UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program, where I care for transgender and gender-diverse patients, having the opportunity to model what it means to feel affirmed in a professional setting is invaluable, both to me and to those I serve.
This policy fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity where everyone is recognized by their chosen name and pronouns, helping to create a more supportive and affirming environment for all.
“Having the opportunity to model what it means to feel affirmed in a professional setting is invaluable, both to me and to those I serve. ”
“Having the opportunity to model what it means to feel affirmed in a professional setting is invaluable, both to me and to those I serve. ”
What’s one thing you would like people to know or understand about you and your experience?
Growing up as a queer and trans Vietnamese American in the South, I faced many challenges, as many trans and gender-expansive people do.
However, by embracing all parts of myself, I’m now living the most joyful chapter of my life.
While there is often a lot of attention given to gender dysphoria – the distress experienced when one’s gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned sex – I want people to recognize that trans and gender-expansive individuals also experience gender euphoria. This is an overwhelming sense of happiness and well-being that comes when we are affirmed and celebrated in ways that align with our gender identity.
Every time we choose to embrace our authentic selves instead of living in fear, we choose love and fulfilment.
What’s something you wish more people did when getting to know you, especially at work?
I wish more people would take the initiative to ask others about names and pronouns.
Often, people see a legal name and assume someone’s name or pronouns which can lead to dysphoria. It would be great if the default approach were to use neutral pronouns like “they/them” or simply use a person’s name until their pronouns are known.
Additionally, it would be supportive if people checked in with the trans and gender expansive person when they hear that person being misgendered – asking how they’re feeling or if there’s anything that can be done to support them. It’s often uncomfortable to correct others when incorrect pronouns are used, so having openly supportive colleagues and allies can make this process much easier for everyone.
Cultivating a UCSF culture of belonging where we all can thrive.
Join the conversation at UCSF.
Gender Recognition and Lived Name Policy
UCSF is implementing the UC Presidential Policy on Gender Recognition and Lived Name to ensure that all employees, learners, patients and affiliates are identified by their accurate gender identity and lived name.
Change Your Name and DATA
Faculty, staff, learners, affiliates and alumni should have the opportunity to identify by their accurate gender identity and lived name. Learn how to change or update your name, gender marker and sexual orientation and take training.
BE AN ALLY AND ADVOCATE
The UCSF Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center has several programming initiatives that promote the inclusivity of our identities, including Pronouns Matter and UCSF Pride Pin Pledge.