Episode Four: Becoming Trans Inclusive: Steps and Missteps

Episode Summary

“If you look at any women's organization that started in the 70s, and still is around today, each one of them has their story of how they - if they - made the transition to be trans inclusive.” In this episode of Mirror and a Flashlight, we’ll hear from Jess and Jubi, two former Collective members, Terri, a Collective member we heard from back in episode one, and Riley, a community member, all of whom were instrumental in helping CWHC work to become a trans inclusive organization. We’ll hear about the challenges, the missteps, and how, through community accountability and good, hard work, CWHC created the Trans Greater Access Project, ensuring its services were trans inclusive and ultimately became a leader in providing trans health care in the midwest.

Learn More

For more information on some of the topics discussed in this episode, we recommend the following resources:

  • CWHC’s Extended Resource List: a list of  resources for trans, non-binary and gender expansive folks compiled by our Clinical Services team. If you have questions or concerns about accessing these resources or navigating any of these steps, please give us a call at (773)935-6126.

  • Gender Reveal: a podcast that explores the vast diversity of trans experiences through interviews with a wide array of trans, nonbinary and two-spirit people. The show also serves as a free educational tool for anyone seeking to learn more about gender. 

  • Transcripts: a podcast that uses oral histories from the Tretter Transgender Oral History Project at the University of Minnesota to introduce listeners to the trans activists who are changing our world and  puts the transgender movement in context.

  • RAD Remedy: an emerging national organization dedicated to connecting trans, gender non-conforming, intersex & queer people to the care they may need.

  • Fenway Trans Health: located in Boston, Fenway Health’s mission  is to enhance the wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy. The Fenway Institute is an interdisciplinary center for research, training, education and policy development focusing on national and international health issues, especially related to LGBTQIA+ communities.

  • Gender Spectrum: a site for medical and mental health professionals, providing professional development and training can help professionals keep up to date with evolving understandings and language of gender, along with the best practices for applying them in  your work with all children, young people and families.

  • Health Care Action Center from the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): resources and recommendations to support individuals in advocating for trans-inclusive health care

  • Know Your Rights from the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): resources to support individuals in combating discriminatory health care practices. This page includes some great additional resources towards the bottom, including information on best practices and standards of care. 

  • Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource Guide for the Transgender Community (Oxford University Press, 2014)

  • The Remedy: Queer and Trans Voices on Health Care (ed. Zena Sharman)

  • Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health (ed. Adrian Shanker)

To return to the main podcast page, click here.

 Connect With Us

  • Learn more about our Trans Health Services here.

  • CWHC supports organizations, schools, and communities in developing affirming spaces for all people, including gender-expansive, queer young people and adults through its training and technical assistance programing. Learn more about the trainings that we offer here.

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Episode Credits

This episode was produced by Ariel Mejia and edited by A.J. Barks, Sarah Rebecca Gaglio, and Terri Kapsalis, with additional editorial support from Jess Kane, and Riley Johnson. Special thanks to Cass Adair for the insight and editorial support.

The biggest thank you to the tireless and blessed hearts of Jubi Dutcher, Riley Johnson, Terri Kapsalis, CWHC’s Clinical Services Committee, and the clients who generously shared their stories with us. And thanks to Sydney Roth, playlist magician extraordinaire.

Mirror and a Flashlight is made possible by our community of support. Our special thanks to Corbett Vs Dempsey, Women Unite!, Early to Bed, Women & Children First Bookstore, Laura McAlpine Consulting for Growth, and Mats Gustafsson and Catalytic Sound.