Transcription of “Rights Here, Rights Now!"

Transcript of “Rights Here, Rights Now –

Episode 29: The Intersection of Transgender/Disability!

Produced by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia.

[INTRO]: The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Instead, all information, content and materials available are for general informational purposes only.

[Enter hosts, Valerie Jones and Suzanne Herbst.]

[Suzanne Herbst]: Welcome to Right Here, Right Now! A podcast about disability advocacy and activism. I'm your Advocate host, Suzanne Herbst.

[Valerie Jones]: And I'm your Advocate host, Valerie Jones.

[Suzanne]: Every two weeks we dig into to relevant issues, current events, and avenues for self-advocacy.

[Valerie]: Because someone has to!

[Suzanne]:

And it might as well be us.

[Suzanne]:

This podcast is produced and edited by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia, the Commonwealth’s protection and advocacy agency for disability rights. Find out more at: www.dlcv.org.

[Enter, hosts Valerie Jones and Suzanne Herbst]:

[Valerie]: Today, we’d like to introduce y’all to Jax Caswell. Jax has been one of our social work interns here at DLCV. Recently he and Isabel gave an amazing presentation… he wanted to share this information and research here on the podcast.

[Suzanne]: Yes we are so excited to have him (Jax) on! We have loved having him at work here in the office and we're so excited for him to share his knowledge and his research. But before we jump in let's check out disability in the news.

[The US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living has allocated 1.75 million dollars over the next five years towards a new initiative. This initiative will focus on helping better prepare future doctors and other health care professionals to treat people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This initiative will bring together five universities to study existing trainings and develop materials and standardized practice experiences that can be incorporated into new curriculums. This grant and initiative is crucial, as many medical schools do not include content about the needs of individuals with disabilities in their current curriculum. Obviously, this too often leads to poorer health outcomes for this population.

The project will be called Partnering to Transform Health Outcomes with Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will involve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families at every stage.]

[Suzanne]: Thank you so much for being with us today Jax! We are so happy to have you. We are also just generally happy to have you on at dLCV as one of our social work I interns in our office so thank you so much for everything you've brought. Especially this presentation that we now get to share on the podcast. For the listeners, before we begin talking about statistics and advocacy efforts, can you give us a little background with some terminology so we're ensuring we are all using the right language?

[Enter, Social Work Intern Jax Caswell]

[Jax]: I would love to. So some of the just introductory terms to know the main term that you would use to describe people in this population would be transgender. A I know now that the term transsexual is, as we all know, now that’s a bit outdated. So we just use the word transgender. You don’t really say that someone is transgendered, because it isn’t an adjective, so we don’t use the word transgendered you just say that, “someone is transgender.”

The shorthand word for that we just be the word trans you would say someone is a trans man or a trans woman with trans man is someone who is assigned female at Birth but who now goes about life as a man and someone who is a trans woman is a woman assigned male at birth, who now goes about life as a man. You also have the binary for people who just don't really identify as being either a man or a woman. They’re somewhere that they just completely need to find it out for themselves and their own experience…[pause]. And yeah, then you can get into gender dysphoria which is just the descriptor for the disconnect that comes between sex assigned at Birth and gender identity and a lot of the feelings that can kind of come out of that disconnect. So, those are just some important terms to know.

[Suzanne]: Thank you so much. I know that I'm sure a lot of our listeners, and just people in general, want to make sure that they're using the right terms but just don't really know. And others who aren't sure what to do so we appreciate you especially taking the time at the beginning of the podcast to go over that!

[Jax]: Of course!

[Valerie]: Okay Jackson the next question I would like to ask: is-- can you share some data with us regarding disability and identification in Virginia?

[Jax]: I would love to. So, earlier this year Governor Ralph sort of released of a statement about disability where he included the fact that an estimated 1/ in 10 Virginians has a disability. And I was doing some more research about trans people with disabilities in just transgender research statistics in general and as it turns out 39% of respondents in the survey reported having a disability. And I was doing some more research about trans people with disabilities and just transition statistics in general and as it turns out 39% of respondents to a fairly large Nationwide survey reported having a disability so that's a lot higher than the one in 10 ratio So if you were to do the is math and the numbers on that that’s 55% of Virginians identified openly as transgender and so again, if you were, you know, to sort of do some quick math and statistics there are around 13,455 trans people with disabilities live in Virginia and I can imagine that number might be a lot higher just based on people who might not have self-reported as either demographics so it can be with the numbers a pretty [pause] pretty low estimate They might be way higher

[Valerie]: Well, I’m very happy about the information you have provided today. Thank you so very much.

[Suzanne]: So we know you've done a lot of research on this Jack so what does the research say about some of the experiences of Trans people with disabilities?

[Jax]: I think a lot of the most interesting a lot of most painful, and a lot of the most just pertinent information really comes out people in this populations interactions with Healthcare. As you can imagine, a lot of trans people AND a lot of people with disabilities will rely very heavily on health care so it’s really important to ensure that our needs are met. But like, also, you know when it comes down to it—that area can also be an area for a lot of contention if doctors don't really know much about trans issues. I know that around 20% of respondents to the survey ended up having to educate their primary care provider on transgender terms and things like that. And, you know it is very possible.

A lot of people really do report feeling that they their doctors weren't necessarily equipped to handle one or both parts of their identity even though Healthcare is obviously very crucial and I think it's also really important to talk about how discrimination and harassment also happens. AND it’s EVEN higher rates in facilities and institutions. I know a lot of trans people with disabilities even report having much higher rates of harassment and discrimination even more so than just trans people who are able-bodied. I think it is also really important to talk about how even just getting treatment as a trans person with a disability can be incredibly hard. I know for a lot of people who might have to sit it like blood disorders and things like that.

[I know that] Starting hormones can be impossible-- if not incredibly dangerous-- incredibly expensive. I know getting sort of just the Sign offs to start hormone replacement therapy or receive surgery. Or a lot of time can be incredibly difficult if you have a mental illness or disability. I know a lot of doctors might have some preconceived notions about someone who is Autistic or someone who has schizophrenia or something like that and the ability to make that decision for yourself even though someone might be completely in tune with it: “Hey, I am trans this is how I feel this is what I need.” And just because it was on paper someone might hear it and immediately be like well, are you, you know, quote on quote “sound enough” to make this decision for yourself? It’s incredibly aggravating and then they make it so that you really have to kind of be careful about what you do and don't disclose. Which shouldn't necessarily be an issue if this is a crucial part of your identity. I know for a lot of the research I was reading it seems like when you're a part of a few of these marginalized groups-- where there's a lot of stigma you can especially feel that compounded stress just going about daily life. And being noticed in public spaces and that kind of thing.

So I think a lot of people either deal with a lot of the isolation that comes from the anxiety of having to deal with these marginalization since in on public spaces or just feeling like they're very cut off in their Community because idiocy is something you know other hanging exotic other than very unincluded and unwelcomed a lot.

[Suzanne]: Yeah! Definitely! And I think you bring up such a good point that that our society has come really far with recognizing transgender people but there is still so much further to go. And so that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. especially like you said experiences with healthcare.

[Valerie]: Okay Jack's beyond all the data and research what implications does this have for advocacy work in general?

[Jax]: I mean, yeah. I think for starters honestly it's just really important to get connected with members of this community. You know despite the fact that there's this huge, huge, overlap, there's not a whole lot of data going on you know and really kind of besides this one survey that I found-- those really, you know, had a lot of really good information and it seems like despite there being such a whole lot of research on a widespread level. Because you know there are still a lot of people are still just learning about Trans issues and disability you know a lot of people are getting caught up about what these communities are talking about so I think it's a really important part of it. This can mean getting to know people, reaching out to people, asking questions making sure that you're approaching people respectfully.

[Pause] You know I had-- it's pretty clear in a lot of disability advocacy work, you know, the kind of questions that you wouldn't ask someone (if they weren’t trans,) the kind of things that you wouldn't say to someone; That might be sort of seeing it like that they really are part of a community [pause] Or, things like that I know how that applies to trans people too. So, I think she's being mindful is an important way to get started. It is acceptable AND it is definitely possible to get to that once you start interacting with this group really thinking about how you can get involved on a larger scale! I'd imagine all the people in the communities might have needs that they would identify very specifically that could sort of provide a framework for getting involved on a pretty widespread scale.

[Valerie]: Okay so—Just-- what I want to do is thank you for educating me even further. I know information about the Trans Community, but this information you have provided has educated me even further. And I am still quite sure that once the listeners listen to the podcast that they will also be educated even further so thank you so much for your information.

[Suzanne]: Absolutely! And Jax, then when we’re were talking about advocacy work in general so what about dLCV? What can we do here at disability Law Center of Virginia to get involved?

[Jax]: So, when I was still doing my presentation research I found that another piece of data. And at the P&A in Washington actually made improving health care and treatment for Trans people and institutions--- they made that one of their 2020 priorities. So it's nice that they’re getting involved. I was reading about work from fiscal year 2018 that DLC the activists did they actually helped seven Trans people living in institutions to have the right to use the bathroom of their choice. Just projects like that would be a good place to start I think. It's also possible to get involved on a larger scale. I know in terms of Pride events, and a lot of LGBT spaces, people been saying for years literally years that a lot of these events are not meeting the needs of community members that have disabilities.

Whether that’s in a wheelchair, mobility accessibility, whether or they’re sensory-friendly. So, I think people have incorporated or have been incorporating things like: people who are able to use ASL and communicate; people who are able to provide all sorts of resources for folks with disabilities to feel welcome. Especially since a lot of these spaces are-- you know-- they're very much promoting and aura of pride and accept into loving yourself for who you are. It would be hypocritical if you're not, you know-- it's sending that message to everybody in the community who serves you know a role in that Community there are plenty of people with disabilities who are also LGBT. And also you know have a voice and have a right to participate in, you know these celebrations of identity.

So, I think getting involved in large-scale events just promoting you know—Even just dLCV having a booth and saying: ‘Hey, We’re dLCV [pause] you know you can come talk to us we can help you, we’re here for you,” that's what I think is a good way to start as well as you know just general Community-- is the van accessible sort of things that may seem silly.

[Suzanne]: That's such a great point! I think it getting your head wrapped around the intersectionality of these things and how they work together can be really difficult. But I think you've given us some amazing ideas for how to get a good start on that which is just talk to people start getting involved start getting out in the community. So thank you so much we so appreciate you coming on to chat with us about all of this.

[Valerie]: We so appreciate you coming on to chat with us about all of this and to you to put some real effort and time into the research you've done for the trans Community! Everyone needs assistance with disability. Thank you so very much for what you've done.

[Jax]: Of course! I mean this is clearly something that I really love talking about! So, if anyone has any other questions feel free to reach out to me about it. In the meantime I have enjoyed talking with you all. I enjoyed being able to share all the wonderful resources that I was able to find and thank you so much for all your questions!

[Suzanne]: And we’re also so proud of you because you're one of our social work interns so the podcast and show off your expertise!

[Valerie]: And now, for a dLCV highlight!

[Supported decision making is an important approach to ensure people with disabilities retain their legal rights while simultaneously receiving support from trusted family and friends when needed. Virginians with disabilities have many options to document their preferences about care and substitute decision making. We’ve updated our supported decision making resource page to include videos, do-it-yourself power of attorney forms, and many other self-advocacy tools. Check it out online at https://www.dlcv.org/supported-decision-making]

[Valerie]: So, I really enjoyed having Jax on the podcast. He was so wonderful

[Suzanne]: It was so wonderful like we talked about I think there's so much for so many people to learn on this and I think you and I learned quite a bit today too, Valerie!

[Valerie]: Yes, I have to agree with that he talks about he gave us so much data and research about the trans community and I really love the terminology he provided.

[Suzanne]: Exactly I think that's something that some people some very well-meaning people can have difficulty with including—including me so it's great to have somebody who knows their stuff coming in to talk with us and educate us on that

[Valerie]: Very true! Once again, thank you Jack.

[Suzanne]: Of course thank you Jack and thank you all for listening to this episode of Rights here, Rights now brought to you by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia. We're available on Apple podcasts Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review.

[Valerie]: If you need assistance or want more information about dLCV and what we do visit us online at www.dLCV.org.