The Trans Health Program (THP) Newsletter is being revived to act as a tool for proactive communication with patients and community members about all things trans and gender diverse health. We are particularly attuned to the needs of people given the political climate and intend to use this tool to communicate proactively about government policies, medical care updates, and important resources. In this issue are commonly asked questions since the election, a message from our CEO, and resources for care and support.
We extend warm wishes, comfort, rest, and joy to each of you during this uncertain time. We know that accessing care and community can be difficult for many. We’re here for you. Please reach out if you need help. Rest assured, leadership at Fenway is planning and coordinating with community, state, and federal officials to protect access to care. We’re in this together.
If you would like to receive this newsletter, visit our supporter hub and add “Gender Affirming Care” to your interests.
A Message from Fenway Health’s CEO
“This election is over but our work continues with the same, if not more, urgency. We will lead with our values and do all we can to ensure Fenway remains a refuge and resource for those who need us. We will stand strong and united to uphold and make forward progress on key policy innovations that promote health equity, equality, and access to care for LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV, and BIPOC individuals.” – Jordina Shanks, Fenway Health CEO
Read Jordina’s full statement here.
Post-Election FAQs
Many of you have had questions about what the recent election might mean for gender-affirming care and services at Fenway Health. We will be answering these questions to the best of our ability in this FAQ section each issue.
Will Fenway stop providing gender affirming care?
Fenway is deeply committed to our mission and continuing our work providing services for all LGBTQIA+ individuals. We have no intention of discontinuing gender affirming care or other services. Fenway is working at community, state, and federal levels to anticipate any attacks on gender affirming care – or other medically necessary care – in order to prevent any disruption in services. Our goal is for you to continue to get the care you need and deserve in a manner that is unchanged from how you experience it now.
Will Fenway have to close, or will Fenway lose its funding with the new administration?
Our leadership is working diligently with our local, state, and federal politicians and partner organizations across the country to anticipate any attacks on gender affirming care – or other medically necessary care –to prevent any disruption in services. Currently there are a lot of unknowns about potential federal policy changes, but here at Fenway Health we are doing our best to anticipate possible attempts at restricting access to care. Fenway is dedicated to keeping our communities updated on our response to any proposed policy changes as well as how and where we are advocating.
Will gender affirming care get banned for youth?
Currently policies restricting or banning gender affirming care for minors are being determined on a state-by-state basis. There is no indication that gender affirming care is under threat here in Massachusetts at this point in time. It is unclear if the Federal government will seek involvement in these policies or attempt to insert their governance in other ways like putting restrictions on Medicare or Medicaid coverage, limiting funding for federally qualified health centers, requiring extra administrative burden to provide GAC, or something else.
On December 4, the first case concerning a ban on gender affirming care in Tennessee was heard at the Supreme Court. The United States is challenging Tennessee’s law stating it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14 Amendment in The United States vs Skrmetti. This case is historic, and its decision will be groundbreaking, setting a precedent that bans on gender affirming care for minors – or gender affirming care in general – is either unconstitutional based on the premise of sex discrimination, or that these state bans are legal, making way for more government involvement in medical care and science. Read Fenway’s statement on the case here.
Resources
- TGD Resource Library– We’ve compiled trans and gender diverse resources into a library including legal, support, health, and financial resources.
- All Access Hours– Book a phone appointment with a Patient Advocate to discuss accessing gender affirmation, health, or community resources. If your question cannot wait for an appointment, please call the Trans Health Program at 857.313.6589.
- Support– Check out a list of Boston area and national support options.
- Behavioral Health Drop-in Hours at Fenway– Available to Fenway primary care patients, Monday to Thursday between 11am and 3pm, 7th floor, 1340 Boylston St. location.
Have questions or is there something you would like to see in a future newsletter? Call 857.313.6589 or email transhealth@fenwayhealth.org.