Voices: Stories of Resilience

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) older adults have valuable life experiences that inform the daily practice of healthcare. Recent research shows that TGNC elders report that 35% of their providers knew little or nothing about TGNC health (James SE, Herman JL, Rankin S, Keisling M, Mottet L, Anafi M (2016) The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality), and 50% stated that they had to advocate for themselves, in some cases, having to be the main source through which providers learn about the basics of affirmative care (Grant JM, Mottet LA, Tanis J, Herman JL, Harrison J, Keisling M (2010) National transgender discrimination survey report on health and health-care. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force). Personal narratives that focus on TGNC elders in health-care are authentic and compelling but rare. This chapter offers the personal stories of 7 TGNC elders. The authors and artists have contributed stories and artwork that speak to their resilience and strength and the real and powerful impact of affirmative care. The letters and artwork are addressed directly to health-care providers, to offer insight and support as providers deepen the quality of care they provide to this community.