The trans and non-binary community’s relationship with the medical field and recognition within queer history is a complicated one. Often many of us are not taught about the pioneers that have contributed to the field of medicine and LGBTQIA+ healthcare like Sophia Jex-Blake, Harry Benjamin, and Magnus Hirschfeld – notable names we should all know about.
Instead, we see conversations on the lives of trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people take place without the community involved. We read sensationalised headlines honing in on the subject of trans healthcare and medicine, often defining them by that very subject. Aspects of trans identity tend to be negatively broached through the lens of medicine, whether this is discussing puberty blockers or gender-affirming surgery. However, many trans, non-binary and gender-diverse folk may choose to not opt for the medical route, while some will. Whatever choice is made by the individual, remains valid. Yet, the ongoing conversations towards the community, largely, remain tied to medicine.
So, Trans Day of Visibility, as the topic of medicine remains relevant, we asked five trans and non-binary folk to share their thoughts on the trans community’s relationship with medicine. Transitional author Munroe Bergdorf explores the importance of reiterating that trans and non-binary people are more than their identities. She also calls for the need to combat harmful and hateful media coverage with positive community stories. Meanwhile,
Not A Phase charity founder and CEO Danielle St. James speaks to the complexities of the trans and non-binary experience, noting that you don’t have to medically transition to be part of the community.
Academic and writer Kim Heyam challenges the scaremongering used in relation to trans bodies using history and explores the conditions in which trans liberation can prevail. Elsewhere, Gendered Intelligence’s Cleo Madeleine reflects on the strained relationship the trans community has with the current state of healthcare in the UK. And, lastly, musician Jocelyn Sithey shares their opinions on sourcing accurate fact-checked information on the trans+ community and what we can learn from inner LGBTQIA+ community conversations.