Ethics, Gender & Sexual Orientation: Moving Beyond Tolerance to Acceptance

Chapter ten deals with the somewhat sensitive subject matter of ethics, gender and sexual orientation. Nurses are encouraged to move beyond tolerance and to accept and respect life choices that differ from their own. The issue of gender style and ethical decision-making is reviewed. It is pointed out that male ways of approaching moral decision-making may be different from females but not inferior to them. The reasons why Canadian nurses are still primarily women is explored. Nurses are obligated to have a working knowledge of the varying forms of sexual and gender orientation and they are not allowed to discriminate against any individual for any reason. It is pointed out that members who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer or questioning their sexual identity, or 2 spirit (LGBTQ2S) are often victims of both acute and chronic trauma. They are often not well understood or treated by members of the health community. Nurses are advised to become familiar with treatment guidelines in order to more effectively manage gender assessments. A strategy to foster compassion is recommended. The Chapter ends with a Case in Point: When Coming Out Seems to Cost too much.

Keywords: 2-spirit, Asexuality, Bisexuality, Ethic of justice, Ethic of care, Gender orientation, Gay, Gender non-conforming, Heterosexuality, Homosexuality, Heterosexism, Lesbian, Non-binary, Queer, Questioning their sexual identity, Transgender.