I will start by saying that haven't even started my course yet, it's May 8th right now and I start on June 1st, and clinicals don't even start until mid July.

I am transmasculine, I use he/him pronouns, and I go by a name that is different than my legal name. I largely do not pass, I'm 5'3 and curvy/athletic and just generally fem looking.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience being a trans or queer CNA, any advice you may have, and what I can expect? should I have my chosen name on my nametag? can I put my pronouns on it? what should I do when coworkers or classmates or supervisors misgender me? how can I be unintimidating and gentle about it? should I arm myself with documents of my legal protections? what should I do??‼

I know to expect some residents to not realize/remember/understand that I use pronouns that don't seem to line up with my appearance, I'm okay with that and have experienced that in the past, thats not at all what I'm worried about (but if anyone has tips or tricks to make it easier for the residents or myself, please share the scoop).

my concern is that I don't want to be discriminated against, I don't want any supervisors or coworkers or residents to think I'm a jerk or pretentious or sensitive, but I'm tired of hiding myself in the workplace and just want to be called what makes me comfortable, that's it. I know this job has a high turnover and burnout rate, and I know that not being true to myself will definitely make that much more likely for me, and I really don't want that (both for my own sake and the sake of the patients).

so, if anyone has experience, please help. I am so SO excited to be able to help people and learn about life, living, death, dignity, and of course the medical field. I'm so excited for everything I'm going to learn and all the opportunities I'm going to have.

thank you so much!! I'm looking forward to being a larger part of this community and all the opportunities it lends 💚💚