2 mins
All inclusive
Contributing reporter Erin Leybourne asks how clinics can ensure the inclusion of trans women in their practices.
In the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows the exclusion of trans women as women in specific contexts, aesthetic clinics are facing new ethical and operational pressures.
Five judges from the UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex, meaning that transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces if deemed “proportionate”.
Not every aesthetic practitioner will be able to offer specialist surgeries. Still, there are basic treatments that transgender patients will seek in the same way a cisgender woman would when looking to feel affirmed in their gender, making their inclusion a relevant topic for all aesthetic clinics.
Digital marketing specialist for Web Marketing Clinic and member of the WiAM board, Alex Bugg, said: “Gender affirming care isn’t just for trans people. Hormone therapies, hair transplants and laser hair removal are also used to treat conditions like PCOS that clinics already help with. The mainstream just isn’t calling it gender affirming when it’s for cisgender patients.”
Mr Omar Tillo is a plastic surgeon and senior medical director at CREO Clinic, which offers top surgeries alongside its other aesthetic treatments. He explained some of the ways the clinic displays itself as inclusive of all gender identities.
“To help create a more inclusive environment, I’ve made sure that all our intake forms, medical questionnaires, and client communications use inclusive language, allowing everyone to self-identify their gender and preferred pronouns,” says Mr Tillo. “We proudly display inclusive symbols, such as pride flags and welcoming signage, and we’ve ensured that our facilities, including restrooms, are accessible and affirming for all gender identities.”
It’s important that staff are equipped to deal with patients of all backgrounds, and Mr Tillo encourages training for CREO Clinic’s team to be comfortable managing its patients.
“I arranged for our team to take part in specialised training, including Affirm Training, and we continue to run regular sessions focused on gender diversity, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of using correct names and pronouns,” he commented. “I actively encourage our team to take part in ongoing education, whether that’s through workshops, seminars, or specialised courses focused on gender-affirming care”
Beyond the surface level, Mr Tillo collaborates with trans-led organisations and listens to patient feedback to grow and improve CREO Clinic’s services.
“I’ve built relationships with incredible organisations like Gender Plus, working together in a multidisciplinary way to stay informed about the real needs of the community and to develop initiatives that truly make a difference. I’ve also put systems in place to regularly collect feedback from our transgender and nonbinary clients, so we can keep evolving, address concerns quickly, and ensure everyone feels heard, respected, and supported.
Commenting on how he stays informed, Mr Tillo said: “Personally, I’m a proud member of both the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH), which helps me stay up to date with the latest guidelines and ensure we’re always aligned with the most current, evidence-based practices.”
The medical aesthetic industry has the power to help transgender women feel validated and seen, which is even more important as their community loses protections. For clinics that wish to express themselves as a safe space, Mr Tillo and CREO Clinic serve as an excellent example to follow.