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Justice in Public Health | Transgender Justice: Highs and Lows in 2022

Thursday, November 10
11:00 am - 12:30 pm CST

There are many intersections between transgender justice and public health that have emerged in 2021 and 2022. All research on the impacts of COVID-19 vaccines and illness on pregnancy has exclusively concentrated on cisgender women. The overturning of Roe and subsequent cultural debate about inclusive language has thrown many trans folks into upheaval, as existing allies and coalitions falter and fall apart in the face of such a grievous attack on reproductive choice. And many of the anti-trans ballot measures and legislative pushes have been focused squarely on health and health access, with some states hoping to outlaw the provision of trans health to patients. Because the transgender community is more likely to fall at or below the poverty line, the public health sector closes many of the gaps in access trans people experience. So, necessarily, all trans health IS public health, and any conversation about trans health in 2022 is going to ripple out into the public health sector. Thus, this conversation is more vital than ever before. 

Presented by: Trystan Reese

Trystan Reese is a transgender speaker and author whose work sits squarely at the intersection of reproductive justice and transgender inclusion. An adoptive and gestational parent, Trystan is dedicated to creating more accessible, equitable health systems for families of all kinds. Trystan spent the better part of a decade on the frontlines of the transgender movement, organizing communities across the country to defend themselves against well-funded political attacks. But he is perhaps best known for his work as a storyteller, which can be found on The Moth Radio Hour and many other podcasts and live shows. In his book, How We Do Family, he recounts the unique way he and his partner became parents overnight to their niece and nephew. They all live in Portland and are very happy.

About the Justice in Public Health Speaker Series

The SPH Justice in Public Health series is hosted by the SPH Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and will welcome local and national experts to lead discussion around a wide variety of topics that impact public health and advance health equity.

Who should attend? This series is free and open to the public.

Accessibility. SPH is committed to making its virtual events accessible to everyone, allowing all participants to be fully engaged. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, email Lauren Jones, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at lljones@umn.edu. Please make requests with as much advance notice as possible so that the necessary services can be arranged.

Zoom experience. For the best user experience:

Recording. The Justice in Public Health series will be recorded and shared publicly after the event.

Earlier Event: October 20
Out & Equal Workplace Summit: Workshop