Happy Pride!
We hope that this time of year brings you joy, connection, and resilience as we gather as a community. Fenway Health staff and providers have been and will continue tabling at Pride events across the Commonwealth. We will also continue to work diligently in the Massachusetts House and Senate to advocate for strong protections for HIV and transgender healthcare.
In this issue of the Trans Health Program Newsletter, we’ll hear from the Manager of the Trans Health Program, Steph deNormand, share important state and federal action information, and list Pride and community events.
With pride,
The Trans Health Program
Fenway Health Leadership Message
Pride this year comes with a mix of heavy and hope. Many of us have been exhausted, overwhelmed, and sorely needing the community connection Pride events can bring. But Pride has never just been a celebration—it’s also about resistance, resilience, and remembering our history. Even in the face of the challenges at our doorstep, there have been true moments of light and joy. We’ve seen states pass protections for transgender healthcare, reports and research continue to affirm our experiences, and communities come together to support each other when we need it most. The fight is far from over, but we are not powerless. This Pride, remember that we are part of a long legacy of people who refused to be erased—and that every act of joy, survival, and solidarity is a victory.
Steph deNormand
Trans Health Program Manager
FAQs
Many of you have had questions about what the new administration’s actions might mean for transgender healthcare and services at Fenway Health. We will be answering these questions to the best of our ability in this FAQ section each issue.
We are compiling these FAQs on our website and you can read those here.
What does the U.S. v Skrmetti decision mean for youth care in Massachusetts?
The Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision Thursday, June 18th, in U.S. v Skrmetti to uphold Tennessee’s discriminatory ban on evidence-based, life-saving care for transgender youth. Fenway Health condemns this decision.
“While the plaintiffs and their lawyers assess next steps, we want to assure our patients and other trans and gender diverse youth in Massachusetts that this decision does not impact their healthcare,” said Julie Thompson, PA-C, Medical Director of Transgender Health at Fenway. “Fenway Health is committed to continuing to care for all of our patients, including transgender youth and their families.” Read the full Fenway statement here.
In the News
Massachusetts is taking steps to better support Trans and Gender Diverse health after passage of a budget amendment called the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund. This fund will help pay for transgender medical and mental health care, support providers, and fund important research—all to make sure everyone gets the respectful, affirming care they deserve. The fund is in direct response to federal attempts to limit tax dollars from being used for transgender healthcare. The Department of Public Health will manage the funds. Read more.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed strong opposition to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report that questions the safety and efficacy of healthcare for transgender youth. AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly criticized the report: “This report misrepresents the current medical consensus and fails to reflect the realities of pediatric care. As we have seen with immunizations, bypassing medical expertise and scientific evidence has real consequences for the health of America’s children.” Read more.
Check Out Pride and Community Events
- Saturday 6/21 – H.E.A.R.T. Conference – Fenway Health
- Tuesday 6/24 – Proud and Free: United for Trans Power (Virtual Event)
- Saturday 6/28 – All She Wrote 2025 Pride Book Fair – Connexion (come say hi to the
- Fenway THP at the Book Fair!)
- Saturday 6/28 – The Pryde’s One-Year Anniversary Open House – 59 Harvard Ave, Hyde Park
- Boston Trans & Non Binary Pride 2025
- Wednesday 7/16 – Ponyboi – AMC Boston Common
- Thursday 7/17 – Pride Kickoff at Dbar
- Friday 7/18 – Legacy Night Club Dance Night
- Saturday 7/19 – Trans Resistance MA Festival
- Sunday 7/20 – Brunch @ Club Cafe
Resources
Check out lists of adult support and community resources as well as resources for youth and families in the greater Boston area and beyond.
Visit our Trans and Gender Diverse Resource Library for more health and community resources.
Some relocation, travel, funding resources and organizations include:
Consider utilizing or donating to a local trans fund:
Consider utilizing or donating to a trans health fund:
How Can I Support the Work Fenway is Doing?
Support Fenway’s TDOV Bonfire campaign by purchasing a ”Together We Rise” shirt. Long sleeve, youth sizes, and multiple colors are available!
Give to support Fenway’s mission
Have questions or is there something you would like to see in a future newsletter? Call 857.313.6589 or email transhealth@fenwayhealth.org.