Why Are Many Doctors Scared of Transgender Patients? | Kristie Overstreet PhD | TEDxLivoniaCCLibrary

What if every time you went to the doctor you felt judged and your health needs were not addressed? This is the reality for many of the approximately 1.4 million transgender adults in the United States each year. This timely talk is an invitation to develop, challenge, and shift how transgender healthcare is viewed. Dr. Kristie Overstreet is a clinical sexologist, psychotherapist, author, and consultant with 11 years of experience working with the transgender, gender nonconforming and gender queer community. She is a transgender care expert that helps individuals improve their relationship with themselves and others. As president of Therapy Department, a counseling and consulting practice she works with clients across the United States.

Her experience as a director of behavioral health hospitals gave her the opportunity to work with various medical teams and professionals. Her years of working with the medical community led her to identify that providers are not receiving training, education, and awareness to care for transgender patients.

[StormRyan]

She was my therapist!!! miss her sm :'-)

[jdoe]

I'm not American, but there are a lot of negative stereotypes about The South there - so it was really refreshing to see such a great person speaking with that accent, smashing stereotypes.

[GenevieveElmer]

As a premedical student, this was one of the most interesting ted talks I’ve ever listened to. I realized doctors weren’t trained in trans issues and health, but I didn’t realize the extent. Thank you for bringing attention to such an important issue.

[shaorandra]

its very refreshing to hear someone with a southern USian accent talking so progressive!
Amazing speech!

[nikolakovacs]

You are a hero Dr. Kristie Overstreet. Thank you so much for doing more than your share to help our community.

[acornlocktinaice]

I went to a LGBT health center. I had such a good experience. They were so friendly and understanding.

[LunaLionFineWoods]

Well said! Thanks for being an ally of my community:)

[aaat]

4:30 "HIV test"!!!! What does it have to do with the patient's request???

[Kibitserr]

I believe the best think you can do to learn more is to ask the specific individual. Be honest and admit that you don't understand or are confused and want to understand the individual better. Tell them that they don't need to answer if they would rather not, and then ask your question. It's best to have that person answer than to try finding out elsewhere because only that person knows themself best.

[billwong]

This is the second time I watched this on YouTube. I am an occupational therapist by trade. I am also a 2 timer on this very stage. 

In my professional experience, I get to know some of my colleagues who are LGBTQ+. One thing I have learned is to not treat them any different than anybody else. At the workplace (and at other contexts that I meet them), I need to treat them with respect. I think this would be a great foundation if I were to see a LGBTQ individual in my regular job as a patient. Then, if specific things arise, I would try to remember such experiences and then try to ask such colleagues for advices. 

Before I started this career, I would say I would have been uncomfortable with this population. I was uncomfortable because I didn't want to say anything that would offend such individuals. Hence, I would rather go with safe topics and try to observe and listen before taking a risk. I feel that if we all can take a step back and do so without judgment (especially health professionals), we can go a long way to serve the needs of the LGBTQ patients better.

[philw]

I was married 16 years and faithful. My wife was my second partner in my lifetime . My Dr knew this. He made me get an HIVtest

[zetazimmer]

This theory that endocrinologist are prescribing hormones because it's profitable is puzzling to me. These are generic substances that are fairly inexpensive in the US, and doctors can specialize in other areas of medicine that are far more profitable.

[jadams]

I'm trans and I hate going to dr, it doesn't go away no matter how much you try to hide it.

[imaginationlord]

I wish all doctors were like you! It's not even just an issue of getting transition related medical help or mental health treatment, even doctors from other areas tend to either just not have any idea of it or they're downright rude. Thank you for educating yourself and helping educate others!

[idolmike]

Notice how most of this could be avoided if everyone just treated eachother equally.

[davefisher]

That was excellent. I wish everyone could hear your presentation.

[cathygillis]

Astounding talk. Thank you. Medical professionals need to strive to provide excellent care for ALL PATIENTS.

[jacobmarley]

I can totally relate to this. The first doctor I saw to get HRT wanted to give me estrogen. My second doctor is more understanding and wants to give me testosterone but assumes I want to go on full dose, when what I actually want is to start on low dose gel. We'll see if I can talk him down at our next appointment.

[ValiantGarton]

Maybe they're not scared but don't want to put up with the BS and victim playing.

[deviousxen]

'If you don't speak up for your healthcare needs, no one will help you?'


What if no one for a year straight or two has helped me despite trying endlessly?
This is impossible.


It was impossible in every state I've lived in.