First transgender sexual health guide now out

In a first-of-its-kind resource, a comprehensive transgender sexual health guide has been published to help transgender and gender expansive people and their partners.

The guide was put together by the HRC Foundation– the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)– and the Whitman-Walker Health community health center, which specializes in LGBTQ and HIV-related care.

Coming up with a transgender sexual health guide

Entitled Safer Sex for Trans Bodies, this guide will ensure that all gaps in having inclusive, publicly-available resources pertaining to the sex health of transgender and gender expansive people are covered.

“Transgender people are too often denied crucial and relevant guidance around sexual health that everyone needs to live healthy, safe and whole lives,” said HRC Communications Director Jay Brown.

“Transgender health issues, especially those related to sexual health, are all too often stigmatized or completely ignored. Safer Sex for Trans Bodies provides essential information that will help minimize health risks that can develop because of a lack of knowledge,” Brown said.

Meanwhile, Josh Riley, Director of Community Commitment at Whitman-Walker Health, said: “Too often in healthcare settings, if there is a focus on sexual health at all, it is only explored through the lens of pathology or dysfunction. Sexual health for trans bodies is even less recognized, rendered invisible because of ignorance or stigma.”

“This new guide emphasizes sexual health, wellness, and exploration, in addition to risk reduction, and will be a valuable tool for trans-identified individuals across the spectrum, as well as their healthcare providers and other allies,” Riley noted.

Trans input for the transgender sexual health guide

Other organizations that helped in creating the guide were Casa Ruby, Trans United Fund, and TransLatin@ Coalition. It was also supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Likewise, members of the transgender community helped in the writing of the guide, from the terminology and definitions to helpful practices with regard to transition-related care.

“This publication is critical to support informed decision-making in trans communities that lack access to many resources,” said Ruby Corado of Casa Ruby, a bilingual, multicultural organization that helps LGBT people.

“Through this guide, providers will have ready access to culturally competent guidance,” Corado said.

Aside from the sexual health guide, HRC Foundation also released a guide for transgender people on how to deal with insurance plans given the latter’s lack of coverage on medically necessary transition-related car.