(Gender-Affirming) HEALTHCARE
By Vinchenzo Vassalotti, C2ST Intern, Loyola University
As a Sexual and Gender Diversity (SGD) researcher in-training, the foundations of my work acknowledge structural and social inequity – concepts intertwined with public policy. For those who hold diverse gender identities, their access to legal protections and ”gender-affirming care” are at increasing risk due to recent shifts in public policies surrounding this topic. However, the reality is, access to gender-affirming care is not just for sexual and gender-diverse people. Gender-affirming care is healthcare that addresses the needs of a wide array of people, including gender nonconforming and cisgender folks. Limiting access to certain healthcare can have significant, harmful effects for all those who rely upon its assistance.
The following blog is intended to provide an introduction to a component of healthcare commonly known as “gender-affirming care” (GAC), address some harmful myths, and acknowledge the uptick in restrictive legislation.
