A preferred or chosen name is a name that you commonly use that is different from your legal first name. While we use the phrase “preferred,” we acknowledge that this is not 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 (e.g., he/him/his, she/her/hers, they/them/their). People do not always use the pronoun that you may expect based on their name, appearance or sex they were assigned at birth.
Using someone’s preferred name and correct pronouns validates their identity, supports the feeling of belonging and signals a supportive ally. When someone is referred to with the wrong name or pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, separated or rejected.
After providing your preferred name and/or pronouns at the registration desk in one of our facilities, your records will then be updated and made available to your health-care providers so they can provide a more inclusive care experience for you.
Even if you have a preferred name added to your record, your legal name (the name on your Care Card) is still required. Both your legal and preferred names will appear wherever your name is displayed.
For information on how to legally change your name, please contact the B.C. Vital Statistics Agency.
For additional information on provincial and federal services that you can use to change your name, gender or sex designation on identity documents, visit Trans Care BC.
