Posted on May 29, 2020
What has the Trump administration done to threaten healthcare protections for transgender people?
On June 12, the federal Department of Health and Human Services released a final rule formalizing the Trump administration’s position that the nondiscrimination provision in the Affordable Care Act (known as Section 1557) does not protect transgender people from discrimination in health care, reversing HHS’s prior interpretation of the law.
This move is the latest in a long line of dangerous attacks from the Trump administration targeting transgender people for political gain. It has the potential to cause confusion for providers, insurers, and employers, and to embolden those who wish to discriminate.
While this is cause for concern, there are two pieces of good news:
1) Massachusetts provides robust protections for transgender people in healthcare and
2) Following the June 15 Supreme Court ruling affirming federal LGBTQ workplace protections, there is good reason to believe the Trump administration’s interpretation of Section 1557 will ultimately not survive legal challenges.
Are transgender people in Massachusetts still protected from discrimination in healthcare?
Yes.
Massachusetts has strong and comprehensive state-based laws that prohibit discrimination against transgender people in access to health care, including by insurers and health care providers. Those protections are not subject to the whims of the Trump administration.
What are the Protections for Access to Health care for Transgender People Under Massachusetts Law?
Insurance Coverage Directives Require Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance – which oversees private health insurance plans – the Group Insurance Commission – the agency overseeing health care plans for state employees – and MassHealth – the state’s Medicaid agency – have each issued directives requiring the coverage of all medically necessary gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and surgeries.
These directives are based on state law, are independent of federal law, and should not change. In fact, following the Trump administration’s June 12 announcement about its new interpretation of Section 1557, MassHealth issued a statement affirming the HHS rule would not have any negative impact on MassHealth coverage and treatment for transgender patients.
State Law Protects Transgender People from Discrimination in Access to Health Care
Massachusetts also has a state law prohibiting discrimination in access to “places of public accommodation” on the basis of a person’s gender identity. This law prohibits discrimination by health insurance companies in plan benefits as well as discrimination by a health care provider or entity, including hospitals and clinics.
This law also exists independent of the federal ACA (or other federal nondiscrimination laws) and will not change.
What does the Trump administration’s reversal of transgender healthcare nondiscrimination protections under the Affordable Care Act mean?
The Trump administration has reversed an Obama-era rule that clarified that the prohibition against sex discrimination in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) bars discrimination against transgender people. That prior interpretation is in line with two decades of federal court rulings and the Bostock case recently decided by the United States Supreme Court. The new Department of Human Services (HHS) rule formalizes the Trump administration’s position that for the purpose of federal enforcement, discrimination against transgender people is not a form of sex discrimination and not prohibited under the ACA.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is charged with enforcing the nondiscrimination protections in Section 1557 of the ACA by taking action against entities (such as hospitals and insurance companies) that receive federal funds and that violate the ACA. HHS’s new interpretation that Section 1557 of the ACA excludes protections for transgender people, means our federal government won’t take action against entities that deny healthcare access or coverage to transgender people.
That is dangerous because it diminishes protections at the federal level and sends the message that it is okay to discriminate.
If HHS won’t protect transgender people from discrimination, are there other ways people can seek relief for healthcare discrimination under federal law?
Yes. People can also seek relief directly through the federal courts. The ultimate meaning of the non-discrimination protections under the ACA is up to the courts, not the Trump administration. And several federal courts have already agreed that transgender people are covered under the ACA’s prohibition against sex discrimination.
Importantly, on June 15, 2020, in a landmark ruling about federal LGBTQ workplace protections, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that transgender status discrimination is a form of sex discrimination. While that ruling does not automatically settle the question in the healthcare context, it makes it much harder for the Trump administration – or anyone else – to argue that prohibitions against sex discrimination don’t protect transgender people.
GLAD has a case in federal court right now challenging the denial of healthcare to a transgender man under the ACA’s non-discrimination provision. This case, Pangborn v. Ascend, will test the legitimacy of the Trump administration’s cruel, unjust and we believe unlawful position.
What can we do?
First, know your rights in healthcare and remember that you are protected under Massachusetts law. No matter how HHS interprets existing federal law, Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination in healthcare and prohibits private health insurers and our state Medicaid agency from having any exclusion of transition-related health care. Put another way, they are required to cover medically necessary gender affirming health services. That does not mean that some insurers won’t try to deny that some services are medically necessary for a particular individual. Those denials must be fought on a case-by-case basis.
If you have questions or experience issues accessing healthcare coverage, there are MA-based organizations that can help. Contact GLAD Answers or Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.
Second, share your story. With the attacks on healthcare coming from the federal administration, it is more important than ever to ensure we have and keep the strongest possible protections under state law. The MA Trans Health Coalition is working to ensure an even stronger commitment from Massachusetts insurers and the Department of Insurance to protect healthcare access for transgender people. You can help this effort by sharing your story of healthcare discrimination, or what access to fair healthcare coverage means to you.
To share your story, contact Tre’Andre Valentine, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, at TreAndreValentine@masstpc.org.
Message from MassHealth on federal changes to Section 1557 of the ACA and the impact on the LGBTQ community:
On June 12th, the Trump Administration announced changes to its interpretation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. These changes remove certain federal nondiscrimination in health care protections for members of the LGBTQ community, and in particular, for transgender individuals. Additionally, the change weakens federal requirements related to translation and language access. MassHealth submitted a letter in opposition to these changes on August 13, 2019 to the federal Department of Health and Human Services when they were first announced in draft form. Monday’s Supreme Court decision concluding that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ individuals from employment discrimination may further impact the administration’s changes to Section 1557.
We want to expressly emphasize that these federal changes have not changed MassHealth’s commitment to providing all medically necessary MassHealth services to LGBTQ individuals who are MassHealth members, including transgender members. Nor do these federal changes affect our commitment to ensuring LGBTQ members can access MassHealth covered benefits free from unlawful discrimination. We want to reiterate that various other state laws and regulations, as well as MassHealth managed care contracts, continue to prohibit discrimination in health care for the LGBTQ community and require meaningful language access for MassHealth members. Plans and providers must continue to ensure compliance with these nondiscrimination requirements.
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office is building a case to challenge the federal administration’s rewrite of Section 1557 non-discrimination regulations. Specifically, the AGO would like assistance in identifying trans and nonbinary individuals with private health insurance + MassHealth, where the private plan denied, excluded, or otherwise didn’t cover a service that MassHealth then covered. The private plan can be self-insured or fully-insured. If your care or service was denied by a private plan and later covered by MassHealth please send an email to: info@masstpc.org.
Posted on July 1, 2020
This week, hospitals and health care centers will begin scheduling non-emergency procedures and appointments that were postponed to allow the health care system to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For many transgender and nonbinary people, the cancellation of long-planned gender-affirming procedures or appointments has been devastating. Our communities experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than our cisgender peers, and that was before this pandemic. We are also five times more likely to be living with HIV compared with the general population. Forgoing gender-affirming care and routine appointments over the last two months may have exacerbated any anxiety or depression we were dealing with. And our chronic health conditions may have worsened.
So now is the time to reschedule those visits. You may still be worried about exposing yourself to the coronavirus by visiting a hospital or health care center. You’re not alone. Fear of exposure has become so widespread that Gov. Charlie Baker and the leaders of three hospitals in the Greater Boston area spent time during Baker’s April 23 press briefing reassuring the public that it was safe to seek care for urgent conditions.
“We’re decontaminating our surfaces, we’re practicing social distancing, we’re using masks and we’re doing everything we can to keep you safe,” Dr. Michael Apkon, president and CEO of Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children. “If you are ill,” please call your physician to seek care.”
All three health care leaders said that urgent care visits had dropped by over 50 percent and gave disturbing examples of the lengths to which people were avoiding treatment for emergency conditions: a child with a ruptured appendix after toughing out several days of abdominal pain, patients with diabetes needing limb amputation because of untreated leg ulcers, stroke victims not coming in until they were long past the point at which physical damage could be mitigated, and increased cases of advanced cardiac and gastrointestinal disease.
We know that trans adults are more likely to rate our health as poor or fair compared with the general population and more than one in five of us has at least one or more chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or asthma.
As trans people, we must always be vigilant about our mental and physical health. But it’s especially important now, when we know that a compromised immune system and pre-existing health conditions may put us at greater risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 infection.
So, if you’ve been putting it off, now is the time to call your doctor. We get that it’s sometimes easier said than done. Even in the best of times, many trans and nonbinary people avoid medical care altogether due to stigma and fear of discrimination. But know this: discrimination against transgender people in the MA health care system is unlawful. You have rights. If you have concerns about any mistreatment that you experience during this public health emergency, please reach out to us at the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) or contact GLADAnswers.org, the legal information service at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD).
But don’t put off getting the care you need. In the meantime, the best way to ensure your continued health during the pandemic is to practice safety measures and good hygiene. If you must go out, per the governor’s order you are required to wear a face mask. Keep a safe distance from others—at least six feet. Wash your hands thoroughly (scrub for at least 20 seconds) or use hand sanitizer if you have been in public and touched an item or surface that is frequently touched by others—door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, touchscreens, etc. Keep your hands away from your face, as germs enter our bodies through our mouth, nose and eyes.
And stay connected. It’s a difficult and scary time for everyone. We need each other. Keep in contact with loved ones and support networks via telephone, email, text, Zoom, etc. No matter your age, if you are feeling isolated there are options for you to seek and receive virtual support from within the LGBTQ and trans and nonbinary communities.
Fenway Health and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) are each maintaining helpful lists of information and resources to help you stay safe(r) and healthy during the pandemic. Here are some resources specifically for our elders,
Rainbow Elders, Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County, LGBT National Senior Hotline (888-234-7423), and SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline (877-360-5428).
Check out the MA Trans Health Coalition’s Guiding Principles for Gender-Affirming Care During COVID-19 and the Validation Station, a new free service that sends validating and affirming daily text messages to transgender and nonbinary people during this crisis.
Posted on May 20, 2020
To the Boston Pride Board of Directors,
The Steering Committee of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) supports the demands of the individuals organizing with Trans Resistance of Massachusetts and Boston Pride 4 The People in envisioning a “Boston Pride” that is truly representative of our community and our values. To this end, we call upon the Boston Pride Board of Directors to resign.
We will not support or participate in any Boston Pride events until the entire board resigns, and we hope that other sibling community organizations, who share similar values, are willing to reconsider their relationship with Boston Pride as well. We hope many of us can organize to support the visions of Black and indigenous leaders for the future of Pride on the Pawtucket and Massachusett lands.
The recent, ultra-visible murders of Amaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd at the hands of the police, remind us of our responsibility to uphold and live the values of anti-racism, and to imagine and build a world where police brutality, anti-Black racism, and white supremacy is non-existent.
MTPC continues to recognize the disturbing trend of violence against Black and brown transgender people in our community. In the months of June and July alone, we have lost the lives of Brayla Stone, Merci Mack, Shaki Peters, Bree Black, Tony McDade, Brian Powers, Summer Taylor, and Marilyn Cazares. The majority of whom were Black and brown transwomen of color.
We believe it is unacceptable that Boston Pride’s leaders have refused the opportunity to acknowledge and repair the harm they have caused our communities. We believe Boston Pride has actively colluded with white supremacist culture with actions including:
removing a “#blacklivesmatter” hashtag from a public statement to appear more respectable;
refusing to name police brutality as a threat to our community;
naming a police officer, who denigrated Black Lives Matter proudly all over social media, as a Pride marshal;
prioritizing corporate sponsors over community organizations in Pride;
and failing to consistently address concerns of community members that have protested against Boston Pride’s ongoing lack of diversity and inclusion.
As an organization, we believe it is imperative that our work and actions be clearly tied to our values. We at MTPC understand oppression to be an imbalance of power intrinsically linked to the privileges bestowed on some at the expense of others, based on but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, citizenship status, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, language capacity, history of incarceration, and many more identities. We believe and hold the values that our movement must be trans-led, easily accessible, and one in which we share community power to move towards collective liberation of all peoples in our communities.
In order to live our values, we believe it is a requirement that Black and indigenous, queer and trans people of color leaders be the at center of any form of Boston Pride. We believe that Black and indigenous, queer and trans people of color narratives should be the epicenter of all values that drive any events associated with Boston Pride. As a community organization, we believe that Boston Pride needs to be driven by a more broad coalition of queer and trans community organizations and individuals at the grassroots level. We as a community should never be driven towards a model of resource scarcity and accumulation of power over others. This means we believe in de-prioritizing visibility of corporations and their sponsorships, and at minimum, demanding corporate sponsors to live our values if they wish to be included in our movement. Additionally, this means the removal of police presence in Boston Pride, both physically and in terms of any symbolism used to promote law-enforcement as we do not require nor desire law enforcement presence in any form, whatsoever.
We envision Boston Pride as a site where we can build equitable, safe, and healing communities and connections. We believe Boston Pride needs to center both individual community members and the larger community including community organizations, rather than continuing to value large corporate organizations over community members.
We believe in a Boston Pride that acknowledges the tremendous work we all must still do.
We believe in a Boston Pride that remembers the historical struggle and sacrifice of our elders and ancestors whose lives and fights for equity and justice have brought us to this moment.
We believe in a Boston Pride where all members of the community can celebrate and find pride in the diversity of their identities, experiences, and expressions.
We believe in a Boston Pride where all members of the community can thrive.
Sincerely and with hope for this vision,
The MTPC Steering Committee
Posted on August 18, 2020
Women have always been a foundational part of history, and trans women are no exception. Trailblazers like Monica Roberts, Ruby Corado, and Boston’s own dearly departed Rita Hester can easily be counted among them. Proudly continuing Boston’s tradition of history-making trans women is our very own Bianca Robinson.
For Women’s History Month, MTPC asked Bianca, “What does it mean to be a transgender woman, and visible?”
A. “It is my belief that being trans in this modern time is to become a leader, to create awareness on gender expansiveness, regardless of how big or small your contributions may appear to be. As a latinx trans woman, I know firsthand the harmful paths we are socialized to believe we should follow, and recognize the systems that support these beliefs which further codify our exclusion. This misinformation makes it more difficult to break from this mold and pursue a life that has been more easily accessible to those born with a set of privileges and gifted with a lens of positivism. Trans folx must not only succeed, but we must overcome the hurdles placed in our trajectories, and I have not come up with another word that best describes this, but to lead.
Our visibility is a direct response to the systems that dictate we should not exist, be cared for, be counted. We need a response because the alternative only strengthens our opposition. Yet, our presence in a space fails to capture the weight of what we have been burdened with, so we must stand in our power; the type of power that is recognized by others that need hope, especially trans youth that need examples and models of a life worth living. Our visibility demands
social action by the simple nature of existing, and so we must lead and be seen; it is my personal belief that currently we must be of service whenever possible in order to reach our liberation.”
– Bianca Robinson, MBA, is a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, planning, directing and counseling on projects related to the social determinants of health for trans women and girls. In 2019, she founded the Massachusetts Trans Women Leadership, a leadership and community development initiative.
Bianca provides policy guidelines in the implementation of inclusionary practices for public and private sectors. She is a recognized community advocate, public speaker and leader in education and business management.
Bianca has a Master of Business Administration from Endicott College in Beverly MA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Salem State University.
Posted on March 17, 2020
Guest post from Michelle Tat, MTPC Steering Committee Member:
Content Warning: This is not about data science. This is a long post that’s mostly a stream of consciousness. You have been warned!
Happy New Years everyone. It’s been a long time since I last posted, mostly because I’ve been busy at the new job, also because I’ve taken some time off to re-balance my life a little bit. But I’m back! At least for the time being.
There’s been one thing on my mind lately that I’ve been meaning just to get on paper. And it has everything to do with my identity. In the era where trans identities are at the forefront of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, the stories that are played in the airwaves only scratch the surface of who we are and how any of us made it to “now”. Often times, trans folx, are seen as two discrete snapshots in time. Before and After. Then and Now.
Head over to Medium, to finish reading about Michelle’s journey.
Posted on December 30, 2017
MTPC has been working closely with the Massachusetts RMV, and the LGBTQ Youth Commission to ease the unnecessary burdens associated with changing a name and gender marker here in the Commonwealth. To that end, we have successfully updated the process for gender marker changes.
The forms required to change a gender marker on Massachusetts ID’s/driver’s licenses no longer require a medical/therapeutic signatory. Now, applicants are asked to sign a “self attestation,” to affirm their gender marker change is consistent with their gender identity.
This is an exciting update, with Massachusetts joining only Oregon, and the District of Columbia as locations allowing self attestation for gender marker changes.
MTPC is also working with the RMV to achieve a gender neutral markers for Massachusetts ID’s as well. Gender neutral markers are important to affirm the identities of nonbinary and intersex people in the Commonwealth. We are hoping to see these changes soon. Stay tuned!
Posted on February 8, 2018
This is a guest blog from Pearl, a community member and local film buff. Thanks Pearl!
Chile’s contender [now winner!] for best foreign language film Oscar is cognizant of the difficulty in the death of a lover, dealing with the previous family, and the added difficulties of a transgender life.
“A Fantastic Woman” is a fantastic film by director and co-writer Sebastian Lelio (Gloria, 2013). Better than Hollywood, foreign films treat transgender identities in more sensitive, understanding way and “A Fantastic Woman” does just that.
Set in modern day Santiago, the film is a confident love letter to transgender isolation and empowerment. Moments of dry witty comedic relief eases the constant tension onset by police and a family bound by their own essential dogma, inflamed by the fact that the “other woman” is transgender.
Daniela Vega’s lead portrays singer/waitress Marina’s stoicism as stronger than her resolve. Her control of the material and restraint as an actress are remarkable for her big screen debut. Finally, a transgender actor is in a lead transgender role. The dignity of the role shines for who she is, not who she is pretending to be. But so much of Vega’s power on the screen is not in what she says or does. The real power is in her expressive on-camera looks. We witness the look of perseverance in the face of one transgender prejudice after another. The prejudices are disturbingly accurate and will cause any trans viewer to identify with and cringe at times.
Iguazu Falls, in all its power opens the film as the credits rolls. The fall’s force is palpable as cuts of different views takes us down into the plume where a soft foggy mist rises from the tremendous force. Metaphorically, this is where we spend the movie. Floating in a light mist, front and center of tumultuous emotions. The majority of the film’s close camera work style keeps us focused on the story line that goes no further than to advance the difficulties of a transgender life. We are witness to a vast contempt kept within close-cropped scenes.
Once Marina’s 57 year-old lover and partner Orlando (Francisco Reyes) dies during the night of her twenty-something birthday celebration, the safe world the two carved out for themselves is under attack. She now must cope with her grief while asserting her rights and forging a new way forward without him. Threats and insults come from the police investigating his death, and Orlando’s family: Sonia (Aline Küppenheim), the jilted ex-wife, the overly male bravado infused son Bruno (Nicolas Saavedra), and other members. The only family member to show any sympathy for Marina is Orlando’s brother Gabo (Luis Gnecco). He stands up for Marina numerous times in the film. Does Gabo possess a better understanding of the love in his brother’s choice? The world needs more people like Gabo. But there isn’t. So when one is transgender, everything you have to deal with is a little harder.
Let’s start with a simple question: What is your name? To a cisgender person this is a no-brainer. But our heroine is asked this basic question by an officer upon her police-escorted return to the hospital. This is the start of the dissent of the trans dilemma for Marina.
A split second delay in answering the name question, Marina giving her adopted name brings the questioning gaze of the officer on her who now demands to see ID. On the defensive while surrendering her ID, she explains her female status is not completed. (Those with no clue to the transgender world, this might be lost on them.) Now addressing Marina by her birth name, the officer gives a child-like reprimand for her to use her birth name when being questioned. Gabo’s arrival avoids further confrontation and Marina retreats with Orlando’s car back to the apartment they shared. Once in the safety of her home, solace is found with Diabla, Orlandos’s long-time canine companion now gifted to her. This part of Orlando she holds dear is just another opportunity for the family to take something away from her out of their bitterness.
No place is safe from persecution.
Marina’s world becomes invaded by confrontations: Bruno’s unannounced arrival with his father’s keys in hand demanding she leave the apartment, an investigating sexual assault officer arrives at her work demanding she come to the station for more humiliating questioning, and on the phone with a demanding ex-wife Sonia. The only people, other than her singer teacher and restaurant boss who share tender words for Marina is her sister and husband. They go so far as to provide her shelter.
Tender words are not used in confrontations. Trans, and ignorance of what trans is by the characters allows for cheap shots such as “faggot” and “monster” to be used. Or a further discredit to Marina: “Orlando must have been crazy.”
Throughout the film a disconcerting threat of possible violence accompanies the name-calling. Marina at one point as abducted amidst a verbal assault. This is a breath holding moment as some of the family men force her into the back of a truck after her appearance at the wake. There is no explaining away that grief has fueled their actions. When this happens to a trans person, it is a hate crime. In this film the perps get way with it and Marina is released physically in tact after a stressful, humiliating ride in the city. This is a dark reminder of the threat of violence to trans people that goes on.
We all end up in the cemetery.
Since Marina forewarned shows up at the wake, one can expect an appearance at Orlando’s funeral. And with it comes the final tête-à-tête. Marina and the family car come to a stand off on the cemetery road. Marina, standing mid-road as the family from inside the car launches another verbal salvo. We are about to discover Marina’s breaking point. She has had it with these Philistines. Hiking up her skirt, she climbs aboard the car’s hood to the roof. With pain and angst, jumping up and down on the roof, she lets it all out. She now becomes the threat to her abusers trapped inside Orlando’s car, as if it is a coffin itself. Marina lets loose her tirade. In the end, Diabla is all she wants from the family. For the dog’s return she willingly surrenders her keys to the apartment and the life she had with Orlando. As the car drives off, one would believe the family is victor since they had the funeral sans Marina.
Alone in the cemetery, Marina deals with the angst of missing her last chance to say goodbye to Orlando. Previously at times, her deceased lover revealed himself to Marina as a speechless vision. He now directs her to the crematory moments before his incineration. Orlando’s apparition as the tender lover he was stops and kisses Marina as gently and lovingly as we have witnessed before. Then disappears through locked doors. Pounding for entry the crematory workers allow her access and a moment alone. To see Orlando’s body to say good -bye is all she desired. Fuck you to the family, they will never know.
A personal requiem.
The returned dog is fed. The stage is set. Marina primps herself. Standing proud and tall she joins her singing teacher and a small ensemble on a stage. Previously we learned of Marina’s vocal talents when she visited her teacher. Now is time for a grand performance to rise above all the chaos. (Daniela Vega is an opera singer.) She doesn’t disappoint. Closing the film, as a personal requiem comes Handel’s “Ombra mai fu,” “Never was a shade.” As Marina’s performance ends, tears for her lover finally run down her cheeks. We can share her pain and triumph.
Ombra mai fu
Tender and beautiful fronds of my beloved plane tree,
Let Fate smile upon you .
May thunder, lightning, and storms never bother your dear peace,
Nor may you by blowing winds be profaned.
Never was made
A vegetable (a plant) more dear and loving or gentle.
George Frederic Handel, 1738
Posted on March 5, 2018
Five and a half years. I can’t believe it’s been over five and a half years since I started at the Mass Trans Political Coalition. This organization has been a huge part of my life and my world for the duration of my time here, and now, in my last week, there are so many things I want to say.
The time I’ve spent with MTPC has been a gift that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It has been an honor to do this work – even when the work was difficult, it was a gift. I’ve learned so much about this community, the work, and myself, that I never could have imagined going into this experience. I’ve been a student more than a teacher in my time here, learning from so many amazing leaders and community members. The lessons I’ve learned, and will continue to learn, are lessons I hope to share long after I’ve left MTPC.
My primary emotion at this moment is gratitude. From volunteers and interns, to Steering Committee members and chairs, every person I’ve come into contact with over my time at MTPC has had a profound impact on me. Many of you are like family to me now, and I can’t imagine my life without your influence and presence.
This departure, and subsequently this new chapter for MTPC, is so amazingly organic and natural. It’s the right time for me and more importantly for the trans rights movement in Massachusetts. We’ve had some fantastic wins, but our work for trans rights and equity remains unfinished. The next chapter for MTPC needs a new voice, and therefore, a new leader. I leave knowing I did exactly what I was hired to do, and knowing that the next Executive Director will have a wholly different job from the one I’m leaving.
I’m eternally grateful to Ev Evnen, MTPC’s incoming interim director, who is a brilliant and capable leader. Together with Kelsey, they will keep the ship on course while the Steering Committee, led by Michelle and Kaden, begins the exciting work of searching for the next Executive Director. And who will be the next leader here at MTPC? Well it might be you. It might be someone new to this work or Massachusetts. It might be a well known local advocate or activist in our community. Whoever it is, I hope we will all welcome them with open hearts and open arms. This work isn’t easy, but it’s possible because of the support we have from our communities.
I’m excited to embark on my own new adventure, as Director of Advocacy at Keshet. This will be an opportunity for me to bring together several critical aspects of my identity, as a Trans Queer Jew, into my work as an advocate. Together with the amazing folks at Keshet, I’ll be working to organize Jewish communities around the important work for LGBTQ+ rights. This also means I’ll be staying in the Boston area, though my work will be at the national level. I hope you’ll stay in touch! I’ll certainly be around, geographically speaking, to attend local community events.
At the end of the day, no organization, however small, is defined by one person. MTPC is, and continues to be, a community focused organization. That means that this groundbreaking institution continues to survive and thrive because of people like you, who volunteer, donate, show up, and speak out for trans rights.
Thank you for an amazing experience, and more importantly, thank you for all you do for the Mass Trans Political Coalition. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play a role in the history of this amazing organization.
In solidarity, now and forever,
Mason
Posted on March 28, 2019
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) announced today that Tre’Andre Valentine will take the helm as its new Executive Director.
Tre’Andre, who uses he/they pronouns, brings nearly a decade of non-profit experience and grassroots organizing energy to MTPC. In their previous role at The Network La Red, Tre’Andre was responsible for managing community engagement, outreach programs, educational programming, as well as grassroots fundraising. Tre’Andre also served on MTPC’s steering committee from 2006-2016. In addition to their extensive experience in the non-profit sector, they also bring their own lived experience as an indigenous transgender person of color.
“After an extensive, two month long search process, we are so thrilled to have Tre’Andre on board,” said Michelle Tat, Co-chair of MTPC’s Steering Committee. Co-chair Kaden Mohamed added, “In Tre’Andre we found a leader with drive, excitement, and passion whose values, skills, expertise, and lived experiences will guide MTPC into its future.”
Are transgender people in Massachusetts still protected from discrimination in healthcare?
Yes.
Massachusetts has strong and comprehensive state-based laws that prohibit discrimination against transgender people in access to health care, including by insurers and health care providers. Those protections are not subject to the whims of the Trump administration.
What are the Protections for Access to Health care for Transgender People Under Massachusetts Law?
Insurance Coverage Directives Require Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance – which oversees private health insurance plans – the Group Insurance Commission – the agency overseeing health care plans for state employees – and MassHealth – the state’s Medicaid agency – have each issued directives requiring the coverage of all medically necessary gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and surgeries.
These directives are based on state law, are independent of federal law, and should not change. In fact, following the Trump administration’s June 12 announcement about its new interpretation of Section 1557, MassHealth issued a statement affirming the HHS rule would not have any negative impact on MassHealth coverage and treatment for transgender patients.
State Law Protects Transgender People from Discrimination in Access to Health Care
Massachusetts also has a state law prohibiting discrimination in access to “places of public accommodation” on the basis of a person’s gender identity. This law prohibits discrimination by health insurance companies in plan benefits as well as discrimination by a health care provider or entity, including hospitals and clinics.
This law also exists independent of the federal ACA (or other federal nondiscrimination laws) and will not change.
MTPC is coming off its historic 2018 victory in the Yes on 3 Campaign, defending transgender rights at the ballot box in Massachusetts. “We now have the opportunity to help our state become a place not only with legal protections, but where trans and non-binary people experience lived equality in their daily lives,” said Tre’Andre.
Founded in 2001, MTPC is a trans led and trans focused organization that has been working for almost two decades to improve the lives of Massachusetts transgender youth, adults, and their families. The Steering Committee and Tre’Andre are excited to step into this next phase of the organization’s work and to continue building and engaging community along the way.
The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is dedicated to ending oppression and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Rooted in social justice, we educate the public, advocate with state, local and federal government, engage in activism and encourage empowerment of community members through collective action.
Posted on July 17, 2019
Join MTPC as we build trans community power and work towards lived equity for all trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive children, youth, adults, elders, and families in MA.