Gender-
Affirming
Care
We commit to serving marginalized communities, particularly those outside of the cisgender privilege. As part of this, we are committed to reducing barriers to gender-affirming care (GAC). We acknowledge that the process of obtaining certain requirements (such as GAC letters) prior to medical intervention is an unfair result of oppressive systems. We advocate for the elimination of gatekeeping, and until that happens, we commit to helping transgender and non-binary individuals obtain these requirements as seamlessly as possible. We are LGBTQ+ affirming providers and believe in self-determination and autonomy of people who identify as trans and nonbinary. We advocate for GAC for all individuals seeking medical care related to gender.
We are able to bill insurance for therapy sessions related to GAC. Additionally, Esme Yarnell, LCSW can conduct GAC evaluations for clients pursuing medical services.
What is Gender-Affirming Care?
The World Health Organization defines GAC as all-encompassing. It is “a range of social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity.” GAC helps transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals align various aspects of their lives. Some interventions include: mental health therapy, hormone therapy, puberty blockers, speech therapy, hair removal, and surgery.
When cisgender folks seek healthcare, it is systemically easier to obtain it. Most people would not question a cisgender person’s desire to seek out therapeutic services or even a breast augmentation/reduction. Yet, when transgender folks seek this care, they face unfair and unjust burdens in the process. The difference in attitudes towards specific groups seeking healthcare is a direct result of implicit and explicit biases, as well as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, and discriminatory practices. These attitudes have led to barriers intentionally put in place to make it more difficult for some to obtain healthcare, while the process is easier for dominant groups.
Additional resources:
The Center on Colfax:
lgbtqcolorado.org
EnvisionYou:
Gender Affirming Letter Access Project:
Denver Health LGBTQ+ Health Services, including Gender Affirming Surgery:
https://www.denverhealth.org/services/lgbtq-services/lgbtq-primary-care-services