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. Purchase Trystan’s book  How we do Family From Adoption to Trans Pregnancy, What We Learned about Love and LGBTQ Parenthood.