A cervical cancer charity group has advised doctors who screen trans men to refer to their vagina as a “bonus hole” to avoid embarrassing patients about the fact that they do, in fact, have a vagina and are capable of getting cancer than only women can get. 

The UK-based charity Jo’s cervical cancer trust offers the guidance on its website.

“Bonus hole – An alternative word for the vagina. It is important to check which words someone would prefer to use,” the trans-inclusive glossary states.

The group offers another word that the patient may prefer, should they for some reason find “bonus hole” unbecoming.

“Front hole – An alternative word for the vagina. It is important to check which words someone would prefer to use,” it reads.

The group further stresses that using such language with biological women who don’t identify as women is a way to “recognize” them.

The guidance is offered in partnership with the LGBT Foundation, another UK-based charity.

“It is impossible to understate the importance of the sample taker and other staff, especially your personal relationship with the patient, in overcoming these barriers. You may be the difference between someone feeling able to go to cervical screening or not attending,” the group states.

The statement adds, “Anyone with a cervix between ages 25 and 64 is eligible for cervical screening, which includes many trans men and/or non-binary people. Some trans men and/or non-binary people may have had gender confirmation surgery that involves removing the cervix, so will no longer be eligible. Trans women do not need cervical screening.” 

Meanwhile, last month, Adidas released a new ad campaign called “Let Love Be Your Legacy” which features a trans woman with a penis bulge modelling a women’s swimsuit.

While this all may seem like denying or defying reality, in today’s world, it’s called affirming someone’s gender.