Improving the Trans Healthcare Experience
Our special s&h x ADCOLOR briefing last week discussed the current state of the trans community in the U.S., as they experience unprecedented progress alongside attacks on their very existence. A prevalent theme that our s&h strategists discussed, alongside Nick Adams, Director of Programs at GLAAD, is the dearth in proper healthcare for trans folks. As Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender official to serve in any Senate-confirmed position, has said—transgender healthcare is an equity issue, not a political one. Yet trans individuals still face rampant discrimination in healthcare, and struggle to find adequate medical support that is both competent and gender-affirming.
As a result, in an example of our Element of Culture Flattening, there has been a democratization of trans healthcare information outside of the doctors office. Many trans individuals are seeking medical advice elsewhere, through platforms like Reddit, in Facebook Groups, or on Twitter. “Unfortunately the reality for many trans people is that we have to do our own research. Often there are too many barriers for trans people—specifically for younger people, low income, and Black and Brown communities—to find doctors that can represent them and honestly just believe them,” said Christian Kenoly, s&h Junior Strategist.
Fortunately, there have been some small improvements over the years. More and more doctors and institutions are educating themselves about trans healthcare. And organizations like Planned Parenthood and brands like Thinx have degendered much of the language that exists around healthcare, making conversations and procedures more inclusive to trans individuals. “It’s about accessibility as well,” said Nick Adams, Director of Programs at GLAAD. Making sure that everybody feels like they can access this care and they don’t feel excluded.”
Watch the Full Culture Briefing below:
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Molly is a Senior Cultural Strategist at sparks & honey. She loves talking about the latest memes and TikTok trends, and is a big personal finance nerd. After hours you can find her sweating it out on the Peloton bike, or relaxing on the couch with her two cats Mini and Ollie.