Hey there, beautiful community!
We’re so glad you’re here. As we move through these times, we know many of you are navigating both personal and external challenges. From shifting healthcare landscapes to the emotional toll of daily life, we want to remind you that you’re not alone. Our goal with this newsletter is to offer a space for timely and important information, encouragement, and resources.
Spring is here, bringing with it a sense of renewal and new life—a perfect reminder that growth, change, and healing are always possible, even when things feel tough. In this edition of the Newsletter, you’ll find a leadership message, an update on federal actions and their effect, and regional resources to access or support.
Take care of yourselves, and remember, we’ve got your back.
🩵🩷
The Trans Health Program
Fenway Health Leadership Message
Here’s to a joyful spring with new growth, finding warm spots in the sun, and spending time with our people. Every year, TDoV reminds us of the importance of finding pride in authenticity, love of ourselves, and the power of community. Despite these darker times of late, choosing to lean into love and the strong and long history of trans existence, resistance, and persistence will undoubtedly renew the energy of the fight. Fenway Health stands in solidarity with the trans community. We will continue doing the work to ensure you have access to the care and support you deserve, so you can fully embrace the joy of the spring season. We’re here so you can bloom, thrive, and feel affirmed. Together we rise. Together we thrive.
Julie Thompson
Medical Director of Trans Health
Response to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report titled Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria Review of Evidence and Best Practices
Fenway Health issued a statement in response to the report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on May 1, 2025 titled Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria Review of Evidence and Best Practices. You can read that statement on our website.
FAQs
Many of you have had questions about what the new administration’s actions 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.
We are compiling these FAQs on our website and you can read those here.
I’ve heard about federal spending cuts. How does this affect Fenway?
Many of you have likely heard about, or even felt firsthand, the relentless attacks on federal funding for our LGBTQIA+ health care initiatives, research, and services. We are not standing idly by. We have activated contingency plans designed to minimize impact on positions and replace some grant revenue with billable services. Our team is working tirelessly with state and federal officials to ensure they understand the devastating impact of these cuts and to identify strategies to fill some of the gaps, both now and in the future. Also, we are exploring ways to expand philanthropic funding to offset these losses.
We want to be clear: patient care has not been impacted. We continue to provide world-class gender-affirming care, and we remain unwavering in our mission.
Does the recent Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) letter effect access to care?
It’s important to note that while communications like these are not legally binding, they serve as an indication of CMS’s guidance and the direction they prefer programs to head. These letters offer evolving guidance and insight, often preceding formal rulemaking. They are a preparatory step for upcoming changes or new thinking in the field. While there are no current changes in access to care, Fenway is continuing to prepare financial plans and models to ensure that patients on federally funded insurance plans can continue to have access to gender affirming care.
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.