Over A Million Transgender People Set to Lose More Protections

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to announce a final rule in the coming weeks that reverses federal protections prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in health care.

 

The regulation could create added barriers to accessing health care for an estimated 1.4 million adults and 150,000 youth who identify as transgender in the U.S., including the significant number who have underlying health conditions that put them at particular risk of serious illness related to COVID-19.

Recent research from the Williams Institute found that an estimated 320,000 transgender adults have underlying health conditions that could increase their risk for COVID-19-related illness. This includes 208,500 who have asthma, 81,100 who have diabetes, 72,700 who have heart disease, and 74,800 who have HIV. In addition, an estimated 217,000 transgender people are age 65 and older.

“Our research finds that transgender people experience health disparities compared to cisgender people and often lack access to health care,” said Jody L. Herman, Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute. “They also face persistent discrimination in health care settings, which is a concern for many transgender adults.”

      • According to U.S. Transgender Population Health Survey (TransPop), 57% of transgender adults had substantial concerns about receiving health care as a transgender person, including worries of being judged and getting diagnosed negatively because of their gender identity.
      • Transgender people who had substantial concerns about receiving inclusive and accepting health care were less likely to have a personal doctor or health care provider.
      • Those who had substantial concerns about receiving inclusive and accepting healthcare reported more days of poor mental and physical health in the past month.
      • According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS), conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality, 23% of respondents did not seek needed medical care due to fear of being disrespected or mistreated as a transgender person.
      • One-third of USTS respondents reported a negative experience with a health care provider, such as being refused gender-affirming care, being asked invasive questions, and providers using harsh or abusive language when treating them.

"The changes to this rule could further harm transgender people’s health care access at a time when they face serious challenges related to COVID-19," said Herman.

No federal statute expressly protects transgender people from discrimination in health care. The new rule will remove from HHS regulations protections that were guaranteed under the agency’s former interpretation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1557 bans sex discrimination in federally funded health care. The original regulation stated that the law’s ban on sex discrimination applies to discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity, consistent with numerous court decisions.

The Supreme Court is poised to address the breadth of sex discrimination protections in employment discrimination laws during its current term, which could affect the validity of the new HHS interpretation.

 

Cover Photo by EVG photos from Pexels

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less