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.