Source Requests for Fall 2025

1. So many different kinds of gender-affirming care!
   
   This piece is looking at certain kinds of gender-affirming care that providers may not think about when working with patients to help develop their care plan. (Voice surgery and voice training. Tracheal shave. Rhinoplasty and other kinds of tissue engineering. Hairline restoration or feminization. Liposuction and other body masculinization techniques.)
   
   If you have any advice for health and wellness providers about what they should know about gender-affirming care outside the more well-known top and bottom surgery and hormone therapy… I want to hear from you!
   

2. BDSM as Healing, BDSM for Healers
   
   We know that queer and trans people are more likely to engage in BDSM than cishet people, and I know from experience that a lot of health and wellness providers are not particularly knowledgeable about kink practices.
   
   If you are into kink or practice any kind of BDSM, are there things you wish your healthcare providers knew to ask, or understood better?
   

3. "Bathroom bans" are a health issue
   
   This is the big one I’m seeking comments on right now.
   
   I think a lot of folks see “bathroom bans” as a social issue or don’t even really think about them at all. But they obviously have a real impact on both the mental and physical health of queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming people.
   
   Have bathroom bans, or fears of being accosted in the bathroom, caused you to avoid using restrooms in public places? If so, does this affect your mental and/or physical health? How so?
   

4. Healthcare funds
   
   Have you lost access to gender-affirming care because of changes to Medicaid or private insurance coverage? Or have you been involved in work on a private, not-for-profit healthcare fund like Point of Pride or the Trans Income Project’s new endeavor? I’d love to talk to you about it! Reach out!
   

5. Aftercare with travel for surgery
   
   I’m looking to talk to a few people who have traveled away from home to access gender-affirming surgery, whether that be to another city, state, or country. I’m interested to know what you did for aftercare, if you stayed close to your surgeon for a while or went home right away.
   
   If you did return home quickly, what you wish care providers back at home knew about gender-affirming surgery to better serve you during your recovery, especially if you experienced any complications.
   

6. Trans people fleeing their homes
   
   I’m still looking to speak to a few trans people who have, are, or are considering leaving their home state or country because of anti-trans legislation.
   

7. Navigating parent relationships while treating trans youth
   
   I’m looking to speak to parents, or trans people who started receiving gender-affirming care as youth (or who wish they had), about what you wish healthcare providers knew or had done differently in relating to parents.
   
   I’m especially interested to hear from folks who felt their parents desires were prioritized over their own medical needs, but I’d also be happy to hear from folks who had good experiences with providers navigating this space.

Thanks so much for taking the time to check these requests. Remember that I offer all my community sources a free upgrade to a lifetime membership for participating! Looking forward to chatting with y’all.

Best,
BJ Ferguson