‘Sex’ and ‘gender’ are terms that are often used interchangeably but they have different meanings.  Both aspects can have an impact on health.

Sex is assigned at birth.  It is usually female or male.  This does not change.

Gender identity is related to how individuals define, experience, and express their gender.  It is not confined to a binary woman/man categorization.  Instead, it exists on a continuum and can change with time.

Please note there is a ‘Prefer not to answer’ option on the survey.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research. (2020, April, 28). What is gender? What is sex? Retrieved April 28, 2023, from https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48642.html