Independent Journalism When It Matters Most

Dear Reader,

Every day, queer and transgender people face unprecedented attacks on their healthcare and wellbeing. You'd think that would dominate headlines—but legacy media remains largely silent. Worse, it's actively working against us: Bari Weiss, an anti-trans culture warrior, is reportedly in line for a top role at CBS. The New York Times continues to double down on biased, inaccurate transgender coverage, with state lawmakers across the country propping up biased, misinformation-laden Times articles as justification for laws banning healthcare for transgender people and youth. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ publications are losing advertisers amid anti-DEI campaigns, with several prominent outlets reporting loss of support from advertisers.

This is what we know: practitioners, providers, and professionals working with LGBTQ+ populations cannot depend on legacy media for the evidence-based information they need to advocate effectively for their patients and communities.

That's why Well Beings News exists.

When traditional outlets launder political narratives as health policy, I will be here to cut through the noise with peer-reviewed research, policy analysis, and clinical best practices. And I've only been able to do it because readers like you make it possible. If you've been considering becoming a paid subscriber, now is the time.

The Coverage Our Allies Need

Since launching Well Beings News, I've delivered the investigative reporting and expert analysis that health and wellness professionals actually need. I've exposed how Ohio's HB96 made it nearly impossible for trans people to receive mental health care on Medicaid, threatening to cut funding for any provider who even acknowledges a patient's gender identity. I've investigated the "PrEP Divide" affecting Black trans women, reported on how outdated healthcare software creates barriers for transgender and nonbinary patients, and examined the promises and potential perils of algorithmic healthcare. I've provided practitioners' guides to understanding the intersections between gender dysphoria and body dysmorphia, explored what trans people really want from providers beyond pronouns, and outlined lesser-known gender-affirming care options beyond the standard treatments.

Every Monday, I deliver research summaries from hundreds of studies in the weekly roundup that keeps practitioners informed about developments affecting their patients. I track legislation that impacts clinical practice and translate complex policy changes into actionable information for professionals on the front lines. Through my Provider POV series, I interview practitioners on their beliefs and knowledge of affirming care practices. In Queer in Practice, I spotlight queer professionals doing change-making work in health and wellness. My Peer Reviewed column interviews dive deep with scientists and researchers advancing LGBTQ+ health science. This is the evidence-based journalism that should be front-page news everywhere—but it isn't.

No Corporate Interests, No Billionaire Owners

Independent journalism doesn't run on corporate budgets or billionaire owners. It survives only on the support of readers like you. I've made a commitment to keep core Monday Roundup content accessible—no paywalls on essential policy updates—because this information is too critical to gatekeep. But to keep going and expand the investigative reporting and expert interviews that paid subscribers receive, I need your support.

I'm proud to be part of the Back Indie Media Drive this month, joining forces with other independent publishers who refuse to let corporate interests control the narrative. I especially want to highlight fellow creators doing vital work: Amplify Respect, building empathy through LGBTQ+ storytelling and Ask Ashlyn, providing essential guidance for the news averse.

If my work helps you stay informed about the research, policy developments, and clinical best practices that matter to your patients, now is the time to become a paid subscriber. Lifetime memberships are only available for a few more weeks!

The attacks on transgender healthcare are escalating. The misinformation is getting louder. But I'm not going anywhere. With your support, I'll keep delivering the evidence-based reporting that health and wellness professionals need to fight back with facts, advocate with confidence, and provide the best possible care for LGBTQ+ patients and communities.

The future of affirming care depends on informed professionals who understand the stakes. Help me keep you informed.

In solidarity,

BJ Ferguson
Well Beings News

P.S. Want to support indie media beyond Well Beings News? Check out the full Back Indie Media Drive and consider backing one additional independent publisher. Every subscription helps keep truly independent voices alive.