Education is a monumental part of social change, and it doesn’t always happen in a classroom. This is more than evident when speaking to participants at the Coffee with Clinicians Series put on by UCI’s Gender Diversity Program.
Bringing topics ranging from hormone replacement therapy, to sexual health, to mental health, UCI’s team of providers have come to sit with community members and other providers to share their knowledge and field questions and concerns.
As a community member, I’ve noticed something magic happens when clinicians I’ve learned to see as almost “non-human” introduce themselves with their first name, while sipping coffee alongside you in a hair salon. Here, there’s no paperwork to fill out, insurance card to flash, or co-pay to bother with. There’s no need to condense your questions and concerns into a manageable amount of words for what you know is a 10 minute slot for your doctor.
I’ve also seen something unexpected and inspiring – Many other clinicians and hopeful allies, coming to learn from these professionals how to better serve the gender diverse community. All the while, building a network of providers and community members looking to be more connected, more educated, and more resourced.
Come! Caffeinate and educate with us at the next Coffee with Clinicians.
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