RU12? Community Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Vermont

Trans* Vermonters Gain Equal Access To Health Care

Press Release

April 26, 2013

New Health Insurance Bulletin Clarifies Access to

Health Care for Transgender Vermonters

 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jean-Denis Couillard, Health and Wellness Coordinator

RU12? Community Center

802-860-7812 trans@ru12.org

 

The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), Division of Insurance, this week, issued a bulletin clarifying key protections for transgender people in Vermont. The bulletin provides a clear directive to insurers that health care plans may not exclude coverage for medically necessary services for transgender people, including gender reassignment surgery.

 

The bulletin rests on key protections in law prohibiting gender identity discrimination, as well as the important and controlling standard of medical necessity regularly enforced by DFR rule. Insurance companies must comply with the terms of the bulletin, and new insurance policy forms filed by insurers will not be approved if they exclude gender transition related care.  The bulletin will impact a wide range of plans purchased by individuals and employers in Vermont, but does not regulate self-insured employer plans, which will continue to be subject to federal law.

 

“This is an important clarification of Vermont law.  Many health insurance plans categorically exclude gender-transition related care for no reason other than stigma and bias, and that is wrong,” said Corey Mallon, member of the Vermont Equal Care Coalition, a coalition of community organizations and individuals who advocated for the trans-inclusive reform in health insurance coverage.  “There is no principled reason for denying a transgender employee medically necessary health care.”

 

This bulletin confirms that discrimination against transgender people, including discrimination perpetuated by unfair insurance coverage, is against Vermont public policy. The bulletin states that “DFR is committed to ensuring that Vermonters do not face discrimination in accessing medically necessary health care benefits, including those based on gender identity and gender dysphoria. This is both a simple question of fairness and a matter addressed by existing insurance law and DFR regulation.”

 

“This bulletin is a momentous achievement, an achievement that rests not only on the work of the Equal Care Coalition, but on years of extraordinary efforts of many people in Vermont, and indeed across the country. We are extremely pleased that yet another barrier to receiving quality health care has fallen.  Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals is proud to be part of the Equal Care Coalition, the group that helped bring this over the finish line”, said Mari Cordes RN, President of Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals.

 

“Vermont joins a growing number of states in ensuring that transgender people are able to get the care they need, when they need it. Data shows that eliminating discriminatory insurance exclusions does not drive up costs, and is invaluable for helping transgender people lead healthy and authentic lives,” added Andrew Cray, a policy analyst with the LGBT Research and Communications Project at the, Center for American Progress in Washington, DC. California, Oregon, Colorado, and the District of Columbia have released guidance recognizing that equal access to health coverage is supported by medical science, improves the health of transgender people, and does not increase costs. Ending arbitrary insurance discrimination against transgender people simply supports what expert medical professional organizations including the American Medical Association, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and others have been saying for years: transition-related health care is medically necessary for many transgender individuals whose health and well-being depends on bringing their physical body into alignment with their gender identity, and determination of what care an individual patient needs properly rests with medical providers, not insurance companies.

 

Read the full bulletin here -  http://www.dfr.vermont.gov/sites/default/files/Bulletin_174.pdf

 

Frequently Asked Questions – http://www.ru12.org/bulletin_faq.html

RU12? Launches New Public Service Announcement!

 RU12? Community Center, is proud to announce the launch of our new public service announcement (PSA) in April as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month.  This PSA was produced by our SafeSpace program, the only anti violence program in Vermont working to end domestic, sexual, and hate related violence in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) Vermonters.

SafeSpace PSA on YouTube

A recent groundbreaking Centers for Disease Control study found that intimate partner violence and sexual violence is a pervasive problem in LGBTQH and non-LGBTQH communities, with members of the LGBTQH communities experiencing sexual and domestic violence at the same or higher rates as non-LGBTQH people.

In hate violence cases power and control can be exerted through sexual violence.  In other cases, sexual violence is part of a pick up crime where the perpetrator relies on the likelihood of the victim not reporting because he or she fears that law enforcement of mainstream providers will either out them or not take them seriously.  Sexual violence is also often a part of domestic violence where batterers rely heavily on fears of stigma and isolation.  For these and many other reason, RU12’s SafeSpace program offers specialized direct services for LGBTQH survivors of sexual violence.

If you or someone you know has experienced violence, advocates in the SafeSpace program can help provide emotional support, advocacy, information and referrals.  Advocates are available M-Th 9am-6pm and Fri. 9am-2pm at 802-863-0003 or toll free 866-869-7351.

"Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell" Film Screening Next Monday 6pm Mark Your Calendar!

Second Monday Film/Discussion Series

Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell

Monday

March 11th, 6pm    

RU12? Community Center, Champlain Mill in Winooski

Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick sets out to expose the hypocrisy of gay politicians who passionately criticize the LGBT community in public while concealing their own sexual orientation. In addition to exposing the secret lives of powerful policymakers -- and the damage they've inflicted on LGBT Americans -- this documentary also takes a critical look at the media's involvement in keeping homophobic politicians closeted.

RU12? Second Monday Screening is a cooperative effort of Vermont's LGBT and ally community.  Screenings are free and open to the public. Snacks provided please bring your own drink. Learn about the lives of LGBT people - the pain, the victories, the progress, and the challenges that persist.

Screenings are held on the second Monday of every month at RU12?. Film begins at 6pm, discussion to follow. Special thanks to VGSA and other community volunteers for making these events possible.

SafeSpace Applauds the Passage of an LGBTQ-Inclusive VAWA

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The House vote today reflects bi partisian support for the Senate bill which for the first time included explicit protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.

The National Coalition of Anti Violence Programs (NCAVP), SafeSpace is a program member, has worked over two years advocating for inclusive provisions inserted into VAWA.  This victory will dramatically change our nation’s response to LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence.

Read more NCAVP Media Release

 

Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell

Second Monday Film/Discussion Series

Outrage: Do Ask, Do Tell

Monday

March 11th, 6pm    

RU12? Community Center, Champlain Mill in Winooski

Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Kirby Dick sets out to expose the hypocrisy of gay politicians who passionately criticize the LGBT community in public while concealing their own sexual orientation. In addition to exposing the secret lives of powerful policymakers -- and the damage they've inflicted on LGBT Americans -- this documentary also takes a critical look at the media's involvement in keeping homophobic politicians closeted.

RU12? Second Monday Screening is a cooperative effort of Vermont's LGBT and ally community.  Screenings are free and open to the public. Snacks provided please bring your own drink. Learn about the lives of LGBT people - the pain, the victories, the progress, and the challenges that persist.

Screenings are held on the second Monday of every month at RU12?. Film begins at 6pm, discussion to follow. Special thanks to VGSA and other community volunteers for making these events possible.

Kim Fountain Featured on This Show Is So Gay

Check out the podcast of Ken Schneck interviewing RU12? Executive Director Kim Fountain!

http://thisshowissogay.com/node/486

RU12? Featured Article in Get Educated

RU12's Executive Director, Kim Fountain, recently contributed to Get Educated's blog addressing the benefits of online education for LGBTQ individuals.

http://www.geteducated.com/elearning-education-blog/in-favor-of-gay-high-school-online-education-for-lgbtq-youth

 

Gay Pakistanis, Still in Shadows, Seek Acceptance

By MEGHAN DAVIDSON LADLY

Published: New York Times 11/3/12

LAHORE, Pakistan — The group meets irregularly in a simple building among a row of shops here that close in the evening. Drapes cover the windows. Sometimes members watch movies or read poetry. Occasionally, they give a party, dance and drink and let off steam.

The group is invitation only, by word of mouth. Members communicate through an e-mail list and are careful not to jeopardize the location of their meetings. One room is reserved for “crisis situations,” when someone may need a place to hide, most often from her own family. This is their safe space — a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pakistanis.

“The gay scene here is very hush-hush,” said Ali, a member who did not want his full name used. “I wish it was a bit more open, but you make do with what you have.”

That is slowly changing as a relative handful of younger gays and lesbians, many educated in the West, seek to foster more acceptance of their sexuality and to carve out an identity, even in a climate of religious conservatism.

Speak Out to End the Violence Today

In solidarity with local agencies working to end domestic and sexual violence, SafeSpace advocates and supporters will have a presence at WHBW's Candlelight Vigil and Survivor Speak Out at 6pm on Thursday, October 25th in front of City Hall on Church Street. This will consist of a candle-lighting ceremony in honor of those who have lost their lives as the result of domestic and intimate partner violence, followed by a silent march to the Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of the Marketplace, where survivors will be able to share their stories in a healing space. We hope you will spread the word about this incredible event, and that we will see you there!

If you or anyone you know has experienced domestic, intimate partner, sexual, transgender, hate violence or discrimination, SafeSpace advocates are available to offer support and advocacy services by calling 802.863.0003, or you can report violence anonymously to SafeSpace. If you'd like to make a donation to SafeSpace in honor of your own or a loved one's survival experience, you can donate here and make a designation for the SafeSpace Program.

Translating Identities Conference & More!

A Note From Jean-Denis:

Last weekend brought the Translating Identities Conference, an annual conference at UVM which explores a wide variety of topics related to gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. After a brief post-TIC recovery time (whew!), I'm excited to share my experiences with all of you!

The conference is always a pleasure to attend; You know it's a great conference when you can't decide which of the many interesting workshops you'd like to attend. This year brought workshops relating to human rights and refugees, family, the criminalization of gender non-conformity, sex, asexuality, polyamory... such a wide array! I was happy to bring two workshops of my own- one on health care reform in Vermont and the movement to make it trans-inclusive and another in a town hall-style format on community, done with educator and advocate Samuel Lurie.

Informing the community about what is currently happening in health care reform and why gender transition exclusions are harmful (and illegal) was amazing. More and more people in our community are starting to become aware of the issue and have already shown such support and dedication to expanding equality in Vermont. Currently, care available to Vermonters accessing it for reasons other than gender transition (such as post-menopausal people listed as female who choose hormone replacement therapy or people listed as female who have a hysteretomy for endometriosis) are not available to people seeking those same services for the purpose of gender transition, discriminating against trans people. These services are considered by expert agencies (such as the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association) to be effective and medically necessary for people needing to alleviate the gender-related body dysphoria they experience. 

I was inspired to see the passion of those working on, or just learning about, this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with the fabulous people in our community/ies!

- Jean-Denis

Are you interested in joining this fight for equality? If so, email or call Jean-Denis (trans@ru12.org, 802-860-7812) to join the community committee forming!

Exciting News! The next version (5th) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which mental health and other professionals use to guide diagnosis and treatment of patients, will no longer list "Gender Identity Disorder", only "Gender Dysphoria", which describes the depression many trans people struggle with when their body doesn't match their internal sense of themselves. This is a big win for trans and gender non-conforming people, de-pathologizing gender non-conformity and the natural variations of human gender experience. 

Don't forget to check out our 2nd Trans Town Hall on November 1st at 6:30p in the McClure Multigenerational Center in Burlington. This Town Hall's focus is on relationships: how can we work towards healthy relationships? What that looks like for us? What is working in our lives and what might we need to change to best fulfill that vital need for love, intimacy, and human connection? We welcome guest speaker Nancy Feldman, LCMHC.

Finally, November 3rd is a special series of workshops about trans sexuality and the use of gender in kinky play, presented by Vermont Alternative Sexuality Education and RU12?. Register now and come check it out! (ages 18+)

Free National Coming Out (NCOW) T-Shirts at UVM Today!

Hey Everyone!

Free NCOW Tshirts will be given out for what we think will be a very limited time! National Coming Out Day is this Thursday and we are hoping to see a sea of green out there on campus to show support and gain visibility. Come find our staff and students (including an appearance from the one and only Dot Brauer!) Maybe she'll even sign shirts for super fans?

We hope to see lots of you after sometime after 12 on the pathway between Davis and the Bailey-Howe Library!

October is LGBTQ History Month!

SafeSpace Works With VT Attorney General's office to End Discrimination

SafeSpace received a report from a community member experiencing discrimination at their place of employment, a for profit company.  SafeSpace contacted the Civil Rights Unit at the Vermont Attorney General's office and made a report to the director. The Attorney General's office swiftly took action and contacted the employer to educate them on the scope of Vermont's anti discrimination protections. Within two days the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the community member and SafeSpace.

The SafeSpace program works to end violence and discrimination in the lives of LGBTQH individuals. Advocates are available to provide support, advocacy, information and referrals.  If you or anyone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, sexual violence, hate violence or discrimination please call SafeSpace at 802-863-0003.  SafeSpace also provides an online anonymous reporting option:

 

Register to vote at RU12?!

As RU12?'s in-house notary, I just (a few minutes ago!) registered my very first person to vote. What a privilege and honor to be able to do so! Especially with such a big election coming up in just 12 weeks!

Did you know you can register to vote here at RU12??

For more information, stop in the Center during our regular business hours, 10am-6pm (M-Th) and 10am-2pm (Fri), or email jean@ru12.org to set up an appointment.

Children's Fair Trade Series: Fair Trade and the Environment

Thursday, July 19th at 10am, Peace & Justice Center, 60 Lake Street, Burlington

This fair trade event for children will emphasize the importance of fair trade and the environment. We will read stories about the Earth and explain deforestation and clear cutting in a kid-friendly way. We will also play with bird whistles, plant our own seedlings, and make environmentally friendly snacks. Come join us!

Facebook Event

National HIV Testing Day- Stop In to RU12? For A Test!

June 27th is National HIV Testing Day! This is an annual national campaign coordinated by the National Association of People With AIDS that encourages everyone to "Take the Test, Take Control".  RU12? will be offering free, anonymous walk-in HIV testing from 11am to 6pm. Tests are quick (20 mins for results) and painless (they're oral- no needles)! We'll be brewing up some coffee and dishing out small gift cards donated by local businesses (See list below). In the USA, there are about 1.2 million people living with HIV, about 1 in 5 of whom don't know they are positive. People who find out that they are HIV positive earlier are more likely to stay healthier longer and are able to better protect themselves and their partners. Not sure why you should take the test?  Feeling a little anxious about it?  Want to make an appointment? Give Mike or Jean-Denis a call at 802-860-7812 or email us at glam@ru12.org.  You can also check out these great locally made videos: http://www.11years.org/ For more information on NHTD, see http://hivtest.cdc.gov/press_files/ RU12? Thanks the following businesses for their donations: August First Chipotle City Market Cupps Pure Pop Records Purple Shutter Herbs Skinny Pancake Sneakers Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup

 

 

Staff Reflections on the Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference

Having the opportunity to join several of our fantastic community members at the Trans-Health Conference was quite the treat! RU12? applied for, and received, a travel scholarship which allowed myself and others to attend who otherwise would've been unable to go. 

The conference is the largest of it's kind in the world, with over 2,500 trans and/or intersex people and our fabulous allies in attendance. The THC offers a plethora of workshops, running from 9a to 7p and activities for conference-goers afterwards. Topics of workshops include such issues as trans-inclusive healthcare, legal issues, issues of family, sexuality, appearance and general well-being. Intersections of gender with race, dis/ability, socio-economic status, religion, age, and sexual orientation are woven throughout workshops, often playing key roles in discussion. This year featured special tracks for femme-identified individuals, sex workers, and those doing HIV-Prevention work. 

I attended many workshops on trans-inclusive sexuality education, gaining insight and language that will help me better serve our community right here in Vermont.  Because of the work we are currently doing to help insure the single-payer healthcare system (coming to VT in 2017) is trans-inclusive, I attended several healthcare-focused workshops- one focusing on legal rights relating to healthcare and one focusing on advocating for yourself and/or clients in healthcare settings. I gained a wider view of what is happening in trans communities across the US and beyond, including police interactions with the trans community in NYC, and the new laws in Argentina allowing people to change gender markers on official documents without surgery or psychiatric diagnosis and to receive free hormone treatment and surgery. 

Milling around the most gender-fabulous crowd one could ever hope for, I was overcome with the feeling of belonging to an enormous, diverse, and dynamic community. I returned with new energy and new tools to continue the important (and extremely rewarding) work we do at RU12? with and for trans people throughout the state.

President Comes Out In Support of Same-Sex Marriage

Yesterday, in an interview with ABC, President Obama said that he supports the right of same-sex couples to marry. He stated:

"I'd hesitated on gay marriage in part because I thought civil unions would be sufficient . . . I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married."

We applaud his affirmation that couples legally recognized as being the same sex are entitled to the same rights that couples who are legally recognized as being different sexes currently benefit from.

To see our own Kim Fountain speak on this important topic, check out her interview on Channel 5.

 

New PFLAG Chapter Forms in Southern Vermont

Dorset, Vermont – A chapter of Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) has been formed in Southern Vermont. PFLAG Dorset, an affiliated chapter of PFLAG, has formed as a local, nonprofit community support and educational outreach group.

Parents, Friends  and Families, of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

PFLAG Dorset represents the mission, values, and goals of PFLAG – here in Vermont.  Each month, PFLAG Dorset sponsors a community meeting to support the gay and lesbian community, engage the public, and contribute to a loving and accepting community. Throughout the year, PFLAG Dorset will host guest speakers, luncheons, workshops, and offer educational outreach to all of Vermont.  PFLAG Dorset is the only active chapter of PFLAG in Vermont.

For more information, please contact Mike Watrous at PFLAG.Dorset@gmail.com or 802.768.1585

 

LGBT Elders film "GEN Silent" Burlington screening on May 16th!

    RU12? Community Center and our collaborating partners would like to cordially invite to our screening of Stu Maddux’s award winning documentary GEN Silent. This film poignantly illustrates the discrimination facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) seniors as they seek long- and short-term health/home care services, and profiles a group of Boston-area LGBT seniors who face the difficult decision of whether or not to go back in the closet as a result. Many LGBT seniors fear bias, discrimination and alienation as they move into senior housing and assisted living facilities; LGBT seniors are also more likely to live alone and be reluctant to allow caregivers and providers into their home due to fear of discrimination.

    This screening of "Gen Silent" will be held on May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington (One Main Street) as part of a state-wide effort to promote the film and awareness of the issue, and is geared towards LGBT community members, allies, and helping professionals. Following the screening there will be a facilitated discussion with audience members and local experts to answer any questions you may have. Joining us to share their unique perspective and to shape a discussion of our community’s response will be Rachel Inker MD from the Community Health Centers of Burlington, Jackie Weinstock, Associate Professor Human Development & Family Studies UVM, Jackie Majoros, State Long Term Care Ombudsman, Sam Abel-Palmer Vermont Legal Aid, facilitated by Tim Palmer, Principal at VerMentor.

    This event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $3-5. Continuing education credits (2) will be available for physicians (CME), nurses (Contact Hours), social workers, nursing home administrators, and LNA’s for an additional fee of $10 to cover accreditation costs. Light refreshments and childcare will be provided.

    For more information, contact RU12? at 802.860.7812 or email jean@ru12.org; call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119 or go to http://stumaddux.com/GEN_SILENT.html to see a trailer of the film.

    GEN Silent is being brought to Vermont by a collaboration between RU12?, Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), and Area Agencies on Aging, and is sponsored by the Samara Fund for LGBT Issues, a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, with additional support by the Department of Aging and Independent Living, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont.

    If you are unable to make it to this event, additional screenings of the film will also be happening during the month of May:

• Tuesday, May 8—Brattleboro, VT—Hooker Dunham Theater, 139 Main Street. 7pm
• Thursday, May 17—Newport, VT—North Country Career Center, 209 Veterans Avenue. 6:30pm
• Wednesday, May 23—Bomoseen, VT—Castleton Family Health Center, 275 Route 30 North. 7pm