Gender identity

Detransition and gender fluidity: Deeper understanding can improve care and acceptance

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

If you have been following recent coverage about gender-affirming health care, detransition will not be an unfamiliar topic.

Key Points: 
  • If you have been following recent coverage about gender-affirming health care, detransition will not be an unfamiliar topic.
  • From mainstream journalists to transgender authors, many have taken an interest in people who underwent a medical gender transition and chose to return to their former identity.

Detransition is not new, but we are seeing new gender-diverse experiences

  • Providers of gender-affirming medicine have long been aware of adults who medically transitioned and later returned to live in their former “gender role” or showed signs of regret.
  • Dr. Harry Benjamin, the endocrinologist who was among the first to offer gender-affirming medical interventions in the United States, wrote about one such case in his 1966 book, The Transsexual Phenomenon.
  • Using strict measurement criteria, they estimated that detransition was rare: around one to two per cent.

Understanding detransition can help us to enrich gender care


We have long known that sexuality can be fluid for some LGBTQ+ people. New research shows that it is not uncommon for trans and gender-diverse young people to report shifts in gender identity over time — dynamically moving between binary trans girls or trans boys, to non-binary, or to cisgender. In some cases, these identity-shift patterns can influence changes in desires for gender-affirming interventions.

  • However, when a person’s gender identity or their desire for how they want to express their gender changes after already completing medical or surgical interventions, this may contribute to feelings of decisional regret.
  • But because detransition and regret are being instrumentalized in debates about trans people and gender-affirming health care, organizations and care providers serving sexual minorities and gender-diverse communities may feel that offering outward support for detransitioners is politically risky.
  • But if organizations and care systems fail to offer formal recognition and support, where can detransitioners turn to for help?

Detransitioners’ voices

  • As social scientists who study gender-affirming health care, we understand what motivates these pursuits: a desire to be understood, and to seek validation and justice.
  • Detransitioners’ voices, though, may be strategically positioned toward gender-affirming care restrictions, rather than to improve research or to develop comprehensive detransition-related care services.

Identity evolution and detransition are LGBTQ+ experiences

  • Some might only detransition temporarily due to lack of support, external pressures and transphobia, and re-affirm a trans identity in the future.
  • Regardless, detransition can bring about loss of community supports, stigma, shame and health care avoidance.
  • Gender fluidity and detransition deserve further understanding and formal care services, not controversy.
  • Kinnon R. MacKinnon receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
  • Annie Pullen Sansfaçon receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canada Research Chair Program.

Beal University Canada Announces Scholarship for Canadian Students Pursuing a Nursing Career

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

Sackville, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2024) - Beal University Canada is proud to announce the establishment of the Beal University Canada BScN Scholarship, aimed at providing financial assistance to students seeking their nursing degree at Beal University Canada's campus in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Key Points: 
  • Sackville, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2024) - Beal University Canada is proud to announce the establishment of the Beal University Canada BScN Scholarship, aimed at providing financial assistance to students seeking their nursing degree at Beal University Canada's campus in Sackville, New Brunswick.
  • The Beal University Canada BScN Scholarship is designed for students aspiring to pursue their degrees at Beal University Canada.
  • Holly McKnight MSW MITE, President of Beal University Canada, expressed enthusiasm for the scholarship, stating, "Beal University Canada is dedicated to supporting the educational goals and aspirations of Canadian students.
  • For more information about the Beal University Canada BScN Scholarship and admission to Beal University Canada, visit bealuniversity.ca/scholarship-application .

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Earns NCQA Health Equity Accreditation Plus

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HP (formerly Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield) recently earned the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Equity Accreditation Plus, a recognition of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s leadership in developing solutions to enhance access to equitable, high-quality healthcare.

Key Points: 
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HP (formerly Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield) recently earned the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Equity Accreditation Plus, a recognition of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s leadership in developing solutions to enhance access to equitable, high-quality healthcare.
  • “NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation Plus recognizes our unwavering dedication to eliminating health disparities and ensuring access to high-quality care for everyone,” said Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP’s President and CEO Dr. Mark Levy.
  • “This milestone positions Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HP at the forefront of advancing health equity through our innovative and impactful programs that provide access to individualized care to improve the whole health of our members.”
    NCQA Health Equity Accreditation Plus builds upon the Health Equity Accreditation designation Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HP received last year, when it was recognized among the first Medicaid plans in the nation to create a strategic framework that prioritizes health equity based on race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
  • “Organizations earning the Health Equity Accreditation Plus like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP are leading the way in bridging this gap, and NCQA salutes their commitment.”
    One way Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP is advancing its health equity mission is through partnerships with organizations such as Food Bank For New York City who launched the ‘Food as Medicine’ program in 2023.

Children's Mercy Research Institute Announces Sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson and Noah's Bandage Project to Increase Diversity in Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials at Children's Mercy Kansas City

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Mercy Research Institute (CMRI) announced a combined sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson* and Noah's Bandage Project of nearly $640,000 to increase education and awareness of racial disparities in pediatric clinical trials.

Key Points: 
  • KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Mercy Research Institute (CMRI) announced a combined sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson* and Noah's Bandage Project of nearly $640,000 to increase education and awareness of racial disparities in pediatric clinical trials.
  • "This funding will allow us to start to eliminate barriers to trial recruitment and participation, ensuring effective interventions and treatments that benefit all children."
  • Provide ongoing DEI training for cancer researchers and staff, including information on pediatric cancer disparities, implicit bias, microaggressions, and culturally sensitive communication and recruitment strategies.
  • The project aligns with Johnson & Johnson's "Our Race to Health Equity" (ORTHE) initiative to address underrepresentation in healthcare.

Clarkston Consulting Launches DE+I Website Tracking Progress Toward 10-Year Goals

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading business consulting firm Clarkston Consulting announced today the launch of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE+I) website , which will track the firm's progress toward its 10-year DE+I goals.

Key Points: 
  • DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading business consulting firm Clarkston Consulting announced today the launch of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE+I) website , which will track the firm's progress toward its 10-year DE+I goals.
  • The site will serve as the home for communicating our progress, the challenges we run into, and how we're moving this initiative forward."
  • Clarkston's 10-year DE+I goals were developed in partnership with our Diversity Council and senior leaders in the firm.
  • Within each of these four 10-year DE+I goals, there are three- and five-year short-term goals that tie into specific objectives within the broader 10-year goals, helping to ensure accountability and progress.

Government of Canada introduces legislation to combat harmful content online, including the sexual exploitation of children

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 26, 2024

The Bill would create stronger online protection for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content.

Key Points: 
  • The Bill would create stronger online protection for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content.
  • Government of Canada introduces legislation to combat harmful content online, including the sexual exploitation of children.
  • The Bill would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content.
  • They could also include design features to limit children's exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.

As Teacher Burnout Surges, TimelyCare Extends Virtual Mental Health and Medical Care for K-12 Educators and Staff

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 26, 2024

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TimelyCare is expanding critically needed access to virtual care resources to improve the health and well-being of K-12 teachers, administrators and support staff.

Key Points: 
  • However, a 2023 RAND report found only about half believe they have adequate mental health support to deal with the levels of stress they face post-pandemic.
  • Extending anytime, anywhere virtual medical and mental health care to K-12 educators and staff through its integrated, easy-to-use platform was a natural next step with benefits beyond the classroom.
  • With 24/7 access to mental health and medical care, TimelyCare helps teachers and support staff take care of themselves so they can continue to serve students," said Luke Hejl, TimelyCare CEO and co-founder.
  • TimelyCare allows K-12 faculty and staff to seek the level of care they need, when they need it.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EARNS TOP SCORE IN HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION'S 2023-2024 CORPORATE EQUALITY INDEX FOR NINTH YEAR

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is proud to announce its score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

Key Points: 
  • DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is proud to announce its score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
  • It's the airline's ninth consecutive year to earn a top score on the CEI—underscoring the Company's dedication to LGBTQ+ equality.
  • Southwest Airlines® joins 545 major U.S. businesses that earned top marks this year.
  • "For over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices around workplace inclusion.

CMA strongly opposes government efforts to restrict access to care

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is deeply concerned about any government proposal that restricts access to evidence-based medical care, including the Alberta government's proposed restrictions on gender-affirming treatments for pediatric transgender patients.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 20, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is deeply concerned about any government proposal that restricts access to evidence-based medical care, including the Alberta government's proposed restrictions on gender-affirming treatments for pediatric transgender patients.
  • An approach that restricts the most appropriate care options for some patients has the potential to cause permanent harm.
  • Ensuring children have universal access to a full range of medical care is essential for their well-being.
  • We strongly urge governments to consult with health-care professionals — experts in their field — when considering policy changes related to health care.

AAOS Diversity Award Winner Boris A. Zelle, MD, FAAOS, FAOA Recognized for Far-Reaching Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in Orthopaedics

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The AAOS Diversity Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to advancing diversity in the field of orthopaedics.

Key Points: 
  • The AAOS Diversity Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to advancing diversity in the field of orthopaedics.
  • This award specifically honors AAOS active Fellows and Emeritus members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering greater representation and accessibility of orthopaedics for diverse populations.
  • "Above all, I consider it a recognition of our combined efforts to support important values that I deeply believe in."
  • "AAOS remains a strong advocate of diversity efforts, and I feel honored and privileged to represent our orthopaedic community."