Preferred Name, Birth Sex, Legal Sex & Pronouns

Legal sex is an individual’s self-identified gender designation recorded by Provincial Vital Statistics Agency.

Legal name and legal sex is provided to Interior Health by B.C. Vital Statistics Agency. The B.C Vital Statistics Agency has information on how to legally change or update this information.

Birth sex is an individual’s biological sex at the time of their birth.

Preferred name is a preferred or chosen name commonly used by an individual that is different from their legal first name. While we use the phrase “preferred” it is important to note that this isn’t just a preference, but the only name used and essential to a person’s identity.

Pronouns are used to convey a person's gender identity, for example, he/him/his | she/her/hers | they/them/theirs. People do not always use the pronoun that you may expect based on their name, appearance or sex they were assigned at birth. Proper use of gender identity terms, including pronouns, is a crucial way to signal courtesy and acceptance.

How can I add or change my birth sex, preferred name or pronouns?

Provide the registration clerk with your correct information. It will then be available in the computer so your health-care team can provide a more inclusive care experience for you.

Where will my preferred name, pronouns, legal sex and birth sex appear?

All these information fields will appear on official health-care documents, including patient arm bands. Preferred name will appear alongside your legal name. Your health-care team will address you using your preferred name and pronouns.

Why is this important to Interior Health?

Being referred to by the wrong name or pronouns can be traumatizing for people who do not identify as the sex or name assigned to them at birth. When we take the extra care to ask someone their chosen name and pronouns it shows respect and inclusion, which is key to quality patient care. Routinely asking and providing pronouns helps everyone avoid assumptions and feel comfortable interacting with each other.