For Providers
Advocacy & Referrals
Improve your skills as an advocate to trans communities by learning how to treat us as whole and autonomous beings, and educating your colleagues and organizational leaders about gender diversity. When connecting us to other services, one thing you can do is to call ahead and ask questions about the policies and practices of that organization. When you do this, we as trans people can make a more informed choice about our options while maintaining our privacy.
Important note
Do not disclose personal or identifying information about someone you are advocating for unless you have been given explicit permission to do so
Basic Script
After introducing yourself and explaining why you are calling, here are some good questions you can ask:
- Are you familiar with working with trans people in your program/service? Have you served trans people before?
- Do you have trans people on staff in your program/service?
- Are there designated staff people in your program/service that work with trans people?
- Have staff received any training on working with trans communities? Do you have gender-neutral bathrooms, showers, and sleeping areas? How has your staff handled gender segregation in the past with trans participants?
- If a person’s legal identification reflects a different name or gender designation, will this affect their ability to access services?
- Do you have any other policies that might impact this person in accessing your program/service? Is there anything else I should tell this person before they contact your organization?
- Is there anything else I should tell this person before they contact your organization?
- Do you have any questions or concerns about this referral?
another note
If a provider indicates that a trans person is unwelcome or ineligible for services based on their gender identity or expression, refer to this page for more information, as well as How to File a Discrimination Complaint.
Disability Justice Resources for Providers
Provider Groups
Therapists and Physicians Consult Group @ Ingersoll
A bi-monthly meeting for medical and mental health providers who work with trans, genderqueer, and gender variant clients and their families to network, consult, share resources and learn from one another.
To join, log into your Google account, and click Apply for Membership on this site.
NW LGBT Senior Care Provider Network
A monthly informal network of senior care providers of all kinds working together to provide advocacy and quality of care for the LGBT seniors of Washington State. Members include senior centers, community service providers,private attorneys, fiduciaries and financial planners, home care and home health agencies, housing, insurance, and more. Sign up on the mailing list on their website.
Provider Training & Education
Demonstrate Access
A free resource website with ideas and tools designed to help service providers identify barriers and make changes in policy and practice to increase access for LGBTQ communities.
Gender Diversity
Works with K-12 schools to create gender-inclusive learning environments; offers referrals for additional resources; and provides education about transgender and gender diversity issues to organizations, professionals, and service providers.
Gender Justice League
Provides training on social justice issues related to trans identities, experiences, gender identity and expression, and compliance with state non-discrimination law in workplaces, medical and mental health settings, and educational institutions.
Ingersoll Gender Center
Provides training for transgender, gender variant and genderqueer people working within organizations, and the people who support them, from the perspective of mutual support and education.
NW Network of LGBT Survivors of Abuse
Technical assistance and training program supports adult and youth service providers, community groups, educators, and organizations working to prevent and respond to abuse, both within LGBT community and mainstream settings.
Cedar River Clinics Trans Health Care Kit
A peer-reviewed toolkit that offers basic training modules for front-line and clinical staff. Account registration required.
Outspoken Speakers Bureau
A diverse group of LGBTQ and allied youth and adults that provides a wide variety of trainings and workshops for youth, educators, advocates and community members on how to support LGBTQ youth.
Safe Schools Coalition
Offers trainings, presentations, and resources on LGBTQ issues in schools and supports students, families, and educators who do not feel welcome at school.
Washington Gender Alliance
Hosts a speakers bureau available for engagements at any school, professional group, or community organization.