Transgender Day of Visibility: Healthcare & Employment Equity for Trans People
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is a time to honor trans people, as well as raise awareness of the challenges that trans people face. TDOV serves as a reminder that visibility is not only about celebration but also a call to action to address ongoing oppression and discrimination. First Shift works at the intersection of health and employment, which are two major areas that need attention to improve the lives of trans individuals.
One of the most pressing challenges is healthcare access. Many trans people still face obstacles in obtaining gender-affirming care– everything from national policy, insurance policy, healthcare provider miseducation, to the financial cost of gender affirming care. Many trans people who do not medically transition still face discrimination in the healthcare system, compromising their access to care.
Another pressing issue is employment. The 2022 US Trans Survey (USTS) reported an unemployment rate of 18% among respondents, five times higher than the national average (3.6 in 2022). Additionally, 11% of respondents said that they had at some point experienced gender discrimination that led to the loss of their job.
Because of these barriers, the importance of including gender-affirming care under paid family leave programs and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) cannot be overstated. In D.C., the explicit inclusion of gender-affirming surgery in both Medicaid and D.C. Paid Family Leave (DCPFL) marks a significant shift towards inclusivity in employment for trans people. These changes are an important step towards building a community where people of all gender identities can thrive, both in life and at work. Job-protected leave and income replacement , ensure that trans individuals can access care while maintaining employment and financial stability.
There is still a lot of work to be done. Workplace protections and healthcare access are vital in ensuring health and well-being for all. By advocating for policies that support the rights and health of trans people, we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
As we celebrate TDOV, let’s commit to raising awareness, supporting gender-affirming care, and advocating for policy changes that uphold the dignity and rights of trans people. Every action counts in creating a better, more inclusive world.
Interested in learning more about paid, job-protected leave for gender-affirming care? Check out our infographic here.
By C. Nickel
