October 12, 2021: How to Navigate Coverage for Gender Affirming Care

Despite transformational changes in health insurance benefits, TGNB folks still struggle to get coverage for gender affirming care and “sex-specific” services. Frequently, the burden of getting approvals for hormones, blockers, reconstructive surgery, hair removal and other medical interventions falls on those seeking care, and as a result many people opt to pay out-of-pocket, delay or forego care entirely. This workshop translates health coverage jargon and confusing insurance processes into tangible skills that can equip anyone trying to get their care covered. Topics covered include how to review insurance benefits materials, prepare required documents for precertification, handle appeals processes, and get legal help (if needed!).

Alexander B. Harris, MPH, CPH is the Clinical Research Manager at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center and specializes in TGNB population health research and health insurance advocacy. Prior to joining Callen-Lorde, Harris previously worked at the NYC Health Department, where he coordinated health promotion campaigns intended to shift health narratives for LGBTQ populations, conducted policy analysis in LGBTQ health, and provided technical assistance for SOGI/E data collection, analysis and reporting. Since 2014, Harris organized inititiaves to ensure compliance with state and federal mandates for transition-related health coverage and frequently provides insurance technical assistances.

October 21, 2021: An Evening with Jennicet Gutiérrez  

In recognition of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we are excited to be cosponsoring an evening with trans activist Jennicet Gutiérrez on Thursday, October 21st.   Jennicet Gutiérrez is a transgender Latina activist and organizer from Mexico. She is best known for shedding light on the plight of transgender women in immigration detention centers through her organization FAMILIA: TQLM (Trans Queer Liberation Movement). She burst onto the national scene when she interrupted President Obama during his White House speech in honor of Pride month, calling attention to the struggles of Trans immigrant women. Jennicet believes in the importance of uplifting and centering the voices of trans women of color in all racial justice work.   

Produced in conjunction with  the Pride Center at Lehigh University and the Rev. Dr. MLK Celebration Committee at Lehigh this event will take place Thursday, October 21 at 7pm at the Lehigh University Rauch Business Center.  The event will also be streamed live over zoom.