The month of March is when we celebrate Women’s History Month. It is a time to reflect on women’s contributions to society and advocate for equality. Trans women have historically been left out of this recognition. We advocate for trans women who have broken down barriers. ART Surgical celebrates and honors transgender women who have advocated for the transgender community.
Honoring Trans Women during Women’s History Month
It is important to honor and celebrate women of all backgrounds and identities during Women’s History Month. This includes trans women’s history and acknowledges their unique experiences faced throughout history. Inclusive and diverse conversations about what it means to be a woman should include trans women. It is critical to share stories that can be overlooked by mainstream media. Trans women have helped to advocate for the women movement, too.
Gender identity is complex and not in a binary framework. It can be experienced in diverse ways. Do not erase the trans identities of women from the past, but instead celebrate them and honor their contributions. Generations to come should also see themselves in the world. Honor trans women during this timeframe includes sharing their stories, using inclusive language, and supporting social change.
Trans Women Throughout History
Transgender women have made significant contributions to society throughout history in arts, science, healthcare, and more. There are many stories of resilience and impact made by early trans pioneers. For example, Frances Thompson was a formerly enslaved, disabled, Black trans woman. She was considered a “trailblazer in the fight to end sexual violence against women.” She testified before Congress about the Memphis Riots of 1866 as the first woman and trans person. Another Black trans pioneer was Marsha P. Johnson who fought for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1960s and 1970s in New York City. Alongside her during this time was Sylvia Rivera, who advocated for the inclusion of trans people, especially transgender people of color.
Trans women have greatly contributed to healthcare throughout history and today. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were also actively involved in providing care to those who were denied because of their gender identity. Dr. Jennifer Finney Boylan is a well-known writer, educator, and activist. She has written on medical transition, healthcare access, and mental health support for trans people. As U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health within President Biden’s administration, Dr. Rachel Levine spoke out on rights for transgender people. She used her platform to advocate for greater access to healthcare.
Achieving Equality and Empowerment
Gender-affirming care plays a vital role in achieving equality for transgender women. Gender-affirming care is essential to aligning a trans woman’s body with her gender identity. Hormone therapy, surgery, mental health support, and more can be tied to empowering a transgender woman to live life to its fullest. These tools can provide a sense of self-affirmation and relieve gender dysphoria. They can feel more comfortable in their own bodies. With greater access to mental health support, trans women can have better well-being and quality of life. Accessing health care should be for everyone. Protections for trans women promote an equitable society for everyone.
Organizations addressing the needs of this community include The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), The Transgender Law Center, and The American Medical Association (AMA). They advocate for improved healthcare rights and protections for trans people. The Transgender Law Center also works toward legal protections.
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality is a nonprofit organization of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals and their allies. They are working toward health equity for this community. Another organization is A4TE, which was founded in 2024 as two long-time organizations for the trans community came together. They work within all levels of government to ensure trans voices are heard and advocate for healthcare access.
Supporting All Women
Transgender women have helped pave the way for all women. Their advocacy has helped create better policies and awareness of inclusive practices. Allies should continue to use inclusive language. Celebrate women of all backgrounds and identities during Women’s History Month.
Today and every day, ART Surgical honors the trans women who have helped make progress toward inclusive healthcare rights. Dr. Angela Rodriguez is a plastic surgeon with a heart for compassionate and personalized care. She’s known for her expertise in helping transgender and non-binary patients. She is a devoted ally to these communities. She leads with kindness and supports patients on their path toward being their true self.