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Is healthcare a safe place for non-binary and tran people?

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Michel’s Answer

Absolutely great question and it does depend on where you are at. I currently live in the northeast and it is pretty progressive when it comes to asking patients about preferred pronouns and asking about preferences of the patients. That being said some places are still lacking in this department. One nice thing about the medical field is the flexibility and ability to work in a variety of areas. If you are interested in working with a specific type of patients those jobs are available. In my community there is a clinic where a lot of people that are involved in the LGBTQIA community. This is a place for these individuals to feel safe and a lot of the doctors can relate to them in their struggles because they may also be apart of this community or they are just great advocates for these individuals. So the best answer is I believe that medicine is a relatively good place for individuals in these communities. The medical field also needs this diversity to make sure that it is doing the most good for the greatest amount of people. So I for one am welcoming you to our community and can’t wait to see the difference you can make when you become a CNA, LVN, LPN, RN, BSN, PA, NP, Pharmacist, Physician, and any others that I may have missed. Great question.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear CVOH,

Empowering Non-Binary and Trans Individuals in Healthcare

Non-binary and trans individuals often encounter distinct obstacles in healthcare environments. Despite healthcare being an essential right for everyone, these groups may confront discrimination, stigma, and a lack of comprehension from healthcare professionals. This can result in postponed or insufficient care, posing serious risks to their health and overall well-being.

Addressing Healthcare Inequalities for Non-Binary and Trans Individuals

Non-binary and trans individuals frequently encounter significant hurdles when trying to access healthcare. A study by the National Center for Transgender Equality reveals that 23% of trans individuals have refrained from visiting a doctor due to discrimination fears. Moreover, 33% of trans individuals have experienced at least one negative encounter with a healthcare provider, such as denial of treatment or verbal harassment.

Building Inclusive Healthcare Spaces

Healthcare professionals can adopt several measures to foster an inclusive environment for non-binary and trans individuals. These measures include:

- Respecting and using preferred names and pronouns
- Establishing gender-neutral restrooms
- Conducting education and training on LGBTQ+ health issues
- Allowing patients to self-define their gender identity
- Supplying inclusive forms and paperwork

Boosting Healthcare Access for Non-Binary and Trans Individuals

Numerous organizations are striving to enhance healthcare access for non-binary and trans individuals. These organizations include:

- The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which offers guidelines for healthcare providers on transgender health issues.
- The National LGBTQ Task Force, which works to promote the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including healthcare access.
- The Human Rights Campaign, which fights for LGBTQ+ rights, including healthcare access.

Implementing Policy Changes to Enhance Healthcare Access

Policy modifications can also aid in enhancing healthcare access for non-binary and trans individuals. These modifications include:

- Enacting non-discrimination laws that safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals in healthcare environments.
- Broadening Medicaid coverage to encompass gender-affirming care.
- Allocating funds for LGBTQ+ health research.

In conclusion, healthcare can become a secure and inclusive space for non-binary and trans individuals with the right policies, practices, and education. By fostering inclusive environments, enhancing access to care, and advocating for policy changes, healthcare providers can ensure that all individuals receive the necessary care for a healthy, fulfilling life.

May God bless you,
James Constantine Frangos.
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John’s Answer

Hi - First, before I offer any opinions or thoughts, let me state that I am certainly not an expert and I am speaking as a cis-male here, so my experiences are from that perspective only.

In general, the medical field is a safe space. It can lean to the conservative side politically, though location matters and there are plenty of more progressive folks in the field as well. Many healthcare workers are supportive by nature. It's why many of us do what we do. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years now and I feel like as awareness, acceptance, and understanding has increased around the country, the healthcare industry has moved along with it and will continue to do so. Are hospitals the most progressive places around? No. But there are roles for healthcare providers in the more rapidly progressing private industry (think insurance companies, biomedical companies and pharma companies) who are very much addressing awareness and providing education and insight via programs that address justice/equity/diversity/inclusion. But industries are not monolithic and individual companies and organizations vary.

I guess the best advice I can offer is to be selective when you are looking for places to work and look for places that have programs in place that will be of value to you. There are many out there currently and more will follow. Do some research and you will likely find a good fit for you. In the current economic reality of almost twice as many open jobs as there are workers, you can be thoughtful about where and for whom you want to work.

Best of luck in whatever you decide to pursue.
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Lori’s Answer

Yes people in this field or hospital settings etc are more concerned with helping people then regarding themselves and are less self absorbed than other fields.
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Rachel’s Answer

I live in the Southern U.S., and I can say that aside from a few towns, a trans or non-binary physician would find another place to practice. With that said, I work for a progressive company, and we frequently refer to Gender Health specialists who spearhead entire departments at many well-known universities. I would imagine 10-20 years before the idea is entertained here. It is still unusual for women to be in leadership roles. We just got around to electing our first female governor, but she's still conservative Republican, and her father paved the way.
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