Charlotte Trans Health will host its third annual Summer Health Education event next month, offering a free conference designed specifically for transgender and gender diverse adults seeking accessible and affirming healthcare information.
Slated for Monday, June 8, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., T.H.E. Authentic Self Symposium will take place at The Forum at Hope Haven in Charlotte. Organizers say the half-day event will focus on providing educational resources, healthcare navigation support and opportunities for community connection.
Organizers say the symposium was created to address ongoing gaps in accessible transgender healthcare education by providing transgender and gender diverse adults with affirming, culturally competent information about transition-related care, preventive health and accessing healthcare services. The organization says many existing educational resources surrounding transgender healthcare are often designed for medical professionals rather than patients themselves.
The symposium will feature concurrent workshops, panel discussions and community conversations focused on topics including hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other aspects of transgender healthcare. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with affirming healthcare providers, local organizations and community resources serving transgender and gender diverse people across the Charlotte region.
“It’s nearly impossible to find high quality, accurate information about gender affirming care that isn’t full of confusing technical jargon,” said Casey Mesaeh, Charlotte Trans Health’s Educational Programs Manager. “Our goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for their health and access the healthcare services they need for their holistic well-being.”
Charlotte Trans Health is a nonprofit network of healthcare providers working to “advance health equity for transgender and gender diverse individuals through education, advocacy, and accessible, affirming care.” The organization says its work centers on expanding access to culturally competent healthcare while supporting advocacy efforts that improve quality of life for transgender people and the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
The organization traces its roots back to 2012, when psychologist Dr. Lisa Griffin began organizing local providers specializing in transgender healthcare. Griffin, who had cared for gender diverse patients in the Charlotte area for more than 15 years, sought to help establish a collaborative provider network before moving away from the region.
Charlotte Trans Health began with five hormone-prescribing providers, seven mental health professionals and a surgeon committed to discussing best practices in transgender healthcare, sharing resources and consulting on complex patient cases. In 2020, the organization formally became a nonprofit 501(c)(3).
Today, the organization is guided by values including accountability, collaboration, compassion, accessibility, equity and education. Charlotte Trans Health also states that it is committed to anti-racism and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.
The symposium is free to attend, though registration is required. Organizers say the event is open to all transgender and gender diverse adults.
More information about the symposium and registration details are available at charlottetranshealth.org.