As an LGBTQ+ inclusive center and healthcare provider, our role is to help all genders, to facilitate care, and to treat all patients with kindness and respect. Therefore, the Southwest Center stands in solidarity with the transgender community in rebuking the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) most recent redefinition of sex in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and urges DHHS to follow the Supreme Court of the United States’ (SCOTUS’) lead in recognizing a broader, more inclusive definition of sex. We also find the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s restructuring of shelter admittance policies an unpardonable action that will further endanger trans lives. We urge all departments of the federal government to follow today’s SCOTUS ruling.
Southwest Center recognizes that identities extend beyond cis and trans to non-binary, non-conforming, Two-Spirit, genderfluid, genderqueer, and more. For years, we have offered inclusive care to transgender and/or non-binary persons. Upon seeing the multifaceted needs of the trans community, we expanded our services to include insurance navigation, assistance with name and gender marker changes, and more. We do our best to listen to trans leaders in our community to enact change. Most notably, we shifted our clinic model to informed consent and every day we strive to make all our services client-centered.
We know that trans and/or non-binary persons face inordinate amounts of prejudice and discrimination in almost every aspect of life, and we know that these adversities are not equally shared. Southwest Center is committed to empowering individuals with intersecting identities -- particularly those who are disproportionally affected by oppressive systems.
Southwest Center knows we are all stronger when we stand together. Now, more than ever, we need to be there for each other, and we especially need to help those of us who are most marginalized.
To trans persons, we see you. We will continue to advocate for you. We will listen when you tell us how we can better serve you, and our team is here for you whenever you need us.