Theoretical Underpinnings of “Interesectionality” and Interventions for Advancing Behavioral Health Equity for Diverse LGBTQ ommunities
The US Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH) held their biennial conference in Washington DC this year and featured a keynote address from Delegate Danica Roem. Delegate Roem won an historic election in 2017 to become the first out-and-seated transgender state legislator in US history. Other highlights from the conference included the presentation of initial findings from a large national study of the US trans population, insights from the local trans community in Washington, DC and the northeast, as well as public policy, law and lived experiences of transgender individuals and communities in the US.
Our year three pilot grant recipient Dr. Ralph Klotzbaugh, Assisant Professor in the College of Nursing at UNM, presented findings from his study on a national survey of Nurse Practitioners providing transgender specific health care. Dr. Klotzbaugh’s TREE Center pilot study expands on the theoretical underpinnings of “interesectionality” and overarching aim to test interventions for advancing behavioral health equity for diverse LGBTQ communities. His research with transgender populations here in New Mexico, evaluates existing in-person and peer-led support groups that assess the potential for online support groups. In addition, conference attendees could opt to attend specific professional courses offered through the organization’s Global Education Initiative. Some of this year’s course offerings included both foundational and advanced medical and mental health considerations in transgender health, as well as coursework specific to nurses in the care of transgender individuals. USPATH is part of the larger World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), formerly known as the (Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA). WPATH is a non-profit, interdisciplinary professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health. Their mission is to promote evidence based care, education, research, advocacy, public policy, and respect in transgender health. More on the WPATH and USPATH can be found on their website via the following address:
https://www.wpath.org