Wed, Nov 13, 2024 – Tue, Nov 19, 2024
As we observe Transgender Awareness Week, it's essential to reflect on the importance of visibility, understanding, and respect for the transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) community. This week provides an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of TGD people, honor those we have lost, and work toward a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
On Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), November 20th, we acknowledge the lives of those who have been lost to violence, discrimination, and hate because of their gender identity. This somber day is a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by TGD people, and it highlights the need for continued advocacy, support, and understanding.
One critical area of focus is the intersection of gender identity and reproductive health. There is often a misconception that only cisgender women give birth or experience pregnancy. However, this erasure of transgender and gender-diverse experiences contributes to harmful gaps in health care and societal understanding. Not all people who give birth identify as cisgender women, and it's vital to use inclusive language to reflect this reality.
Language matters. Terms like "birthing people" and "chestfeeding" (instead of "breastfeeding") are intended to be more inclusive of TGD people who may have the capacity to bear children but do not identify as women. Some may be skeptical of this language, questioning why such changes are necessary. After all, they argue, the number of TGD people who give birth is relatively small. But the truth is that we do not know how many birthing TGD people there are due to data blind spots and social challenges.
Currently, maternal health data typically assumes that the person giving birth is a woman, often overlooking the gender identity of the birthing individual. In many cases, TGD people are not only excluded from receiving gender-affirming care but also face discrimination and a lack of proper medical support during pregnancy and childbirth. Studies have shown that TGD individuals experience higher rates of prejudice, isolation, and poor care, all of which can lead to traumatic birth experiences and adverse health outcomes.
Moreover, electronic medical records and insurance systems often fail to recognize the unique needs of TGD birthing people. For example, systems may not allow a male-identified person to be recognized as pregnant or may prevent essential prenatal care from being provided. This lack of support forces many TGD people to hide their identities or "pass" as cisgender women during pregnancy to avoid transphobic discrimination, further compromising their well-being.
What’s needed is gender-affirming care that includes more than just access to hormones. It’s about social affirmation, using the correct name and pronouns, and providing health care that respects a person's identity throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. For example, providers should ask about a patient's gender identity rather than assuming it, and maternal health data should reflect the gender identity of all birthing people.
Some states, like Rhode Island, are already making strides in this direction. State-issued birth certificates now list "parents" instead of "mother" and "father," and include an "X" option for gender, alongside "male" and "female." These policies aim to recognize and respect the diverse families and identities that exist. Yet, nationwide change is still needed, and that requires collective action.
As we reflect on Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance, let’s commit to advocating for the dignity and well-being of all people, regardless of gender identity. This includes supporting TGD birthing people with inclusive language, policies, and practices that respect their identities and ensure they receive the comprehensive, compassionate care they deserve.
Let’s continue working toward a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can experience pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood with dignity, respect, and support.
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