Day 2: Trans Healthcare Challenges
Day 2: Trans Healthcare Challenges
Thank you for taking this challenge! If this is your first time joining the 10-Day Racial Justice Challenge, welcome. If you are returning after previous engagement with the challenge, nice work! We are glad you are here. From Monday, September 9th through Friday, September 20th, YWCA Spokane will send, those who registered for our challenge, emails each weekday prompting you to take time to learn about racial equity and social justice.
We hope this challenge provides you with an opportunity to better understand concepts related to race, power, privilege, and leadership. Thank you for participating!
Challenge | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10
Transgender healthcare includes a range of services designed to support individuals through their unique medical journeys. One key aspect is gender-affirming hormone therapy, which helps align physical traits with gender identity and alleviate discomfort related to gender dysphoria. Gender-affirming surgeries, such as chest augmentation or gender confirmation surgery, are also important for many, helping them achieve physical features that match their gender identity and enhance their overall well-being. Regular health check-ups tailored to transgender needs are essential for maintaining good health.
Finding affirming care can be quite challenging. It is important to locate healthcare providers who understand and respect transgender issues, using resources like online directories and local LGBTQ+ groups can be a great guide. Another obstacle may be insurance coverage, as many plans do not fully cover trans-related services or have restrictions. Understanding your insurance policy and advocating for full coverage is key, often requiring appeals and policy changes.
The Spokesman-Review shared, “[Multicare Rockwood and] other medical providers in Spokane that provide gender-affirming care include Planned Parenthood, Chas Health and Providence. Chas Health is one of the only providers in the area that appears open to hormone therapy and blockers to minors as well as adults. Kootenai Health in North Idaho provides gender-affirming care to adults and has provided such care to children and adolescents in the past.”
Despite the few local medical providers that offer gender-affirming care, it is important to bring attention to our neighboring state, Idaho, who in 2023 passed House Bill 71 (HB 71) and went into effect in April 2024. The bill, also known as the Idaho Vulnerable Child Protection Act, bans gender-affirming medical care (GAMC) for minors in Idaho and punishes doctors who provide services to transgender youth under 18.
This recent ban leads into the next crucial element of transgender healthcare, mental health support. Many individuals face challenges such as anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. Access to counseling and mental health services is vital for managing these issues and providing a supportive environment during the transition process.
Moving Forward
To address these challenges, stay informed about available resources and seek support from organizations and advocacy groups that work to improve access to transgender healthcare. Support from allies, community organizations, and policy advocates can play a crucial role in ensuring that transgender individuals receive the care they need. By addressing these issues, and bringing attention to them, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system for everyone.
If you have...
how a study reveals significant discrimination among transgender Asian Pacific Islanders.
![Image Of A Grey Clock With Text That Says, "10 Minutes"](https://ywcaspokane.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10-Minutes.png "Image Of A Grey Clock With Text That Says, "10 Minutes"")
on parents sharing why gender-affirming care is vital for their trans kids.
that focuses on Gender-Affirming Care in Spokane.
Additional Resources
Thank You Mission Partners
To learn more about partnering with YWCA Spokane in support of this Racial Justice Challenge, please contact Erica Schreiber, Director of Community Engagement via email ericas@ywcaspokane.org or phone at 509-789-8275.
By: Jazmin Duran
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