Gender Affirming Care
at Forward Wellness
At FW our mission aligns pretty clearly with the principles of gender-affirming care. This means we believe:
Your gender identity and expression are NOT disorders. Period.
Gender identities and expressions are diverse and varied across cultures, therefore requiring our cultural sensitivity and humility.
According to available research, gender likely involves an interweaving of biology, development & socialization, and culture & context, with all three bearing on an individual's sense of their gender.
Gender may be fluid, and is not binary, both at a particular time and if and when it changes within an individual across time.
Recognizing that when trans and gender non-conforming folks struggle with mental health issues, it most often stems from cultural reactions and minority stress (e.g., transphobia, homophobia, sexism, transmisogyny) rather than from within the client. Experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, symptoms of PTSD, isolation, and loneliness are all too common, and we want to help.
Language is an important way we describe ourselves and is always evolving. We strive to remain informed and not make assumptions, working to use the language that respects and celebrates you and your identity. We believe you are the expert, and that you know what's best for you! Therapy can be an accepting and non-judgmental space to help you figure that out.
Forward Wellness Can Help:
Support your exploration of gender identity
Connect you to other providers and resources, sometimes advocating on your behalf and educating your other providers
Support coming out to family members and friends, and also in workplace or other community settings (maybe working directly with caregivers and partners in family or couples therapy, or advocating on your behalf)
Provide support/coordination of care in schools for youth
Provide currently-required letters of referral for gender-affirming medical care (surgery)
Provide support and treatment around related or unrelated mental health struggles, operating from a helpful perspective of how gender identity intersects with your other identities and experiences
Gender Affirming Care Resources
INFORMED CONSENT HORMONE THERAPY PROVIDERS:
https://alleghenyreproductive.com/gender-services/
https://metrocommunityhealthcenter.org/
https://www.centraloutreach.com/
UPMC RESOURCES FOR PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY CARE:
https://www.chp.edu/our-services/aya-medicine/gender-development
https://www.folxhealth.com/ (National by mail)
https://getplume.co/ (National by mail)
AHN Resources for Primary and Specialty Care
https://www.ahn.org/services/medicine/center-for-inclusion-health/transgender-health-care.html
HELPFUL LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
PFLAG Pittsburgh - Support, education, advocacy, medical and spiritual directories
Trans YOUniting - A Black-led mutual aid nonprofit
SisTers PGH - SisTers PGH is a BLACK and TRANS led non-profit organization that serves QTBIPOC (Queer Trans Black Indigenous People of Color) trans, and nonbinary people within Southwestern PA.
Proud Haven - Short-Term Emergency Housing Services
Name Change Project - coming to PGH soon!
The Trevor Project (National) - 24/7 support, crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Services, ages 13-24.
InterACT (National) - Intersex advocacy group
Transgender American Veterans Association
Transgender Law Center - Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
World Professional Association for Transgender Health
PITTSBURGH FACEBOOK GROUPS:
Pittsburgh LGBTQIA, Nonbinary, straight, and poly alliance
Western PA Transgender United
Families Like Ours (LGBTQIA parents in Pittsburgh)
HELPFUL ARTICLES
Gender-Affirming Health Care Saved My Life. Everyone Should Have Access to It
Know Your Rights
Health & HIV
Sources: