Laverne Cox: Planned Parenthood’s trans healthcare is the true star

“I’m so excited to stand before you this evening because I wanted to shout out to the world that Planned Parenthood is a welcoming place for transgender people,” said Laverne Cox at Planned Parenthood’s Spring Gala.

“I travel the country and meet transgender people all over who do not have access to life-saving healthcare.”

Cox was honored at the annual event in New York City along with outgoing Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards.

Cox’s speech at the event touched on the intersections between transgender health and reproductive rights.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the relationship between women’s health care, and trans health care too, and the fight for autonomy over our bodies,” said Cox. “It’s a fight we’ve been fighting since forever, and we will continue to fight.”

Health care of all sorts for transgender people is difficult to navigate for transgender people, even under the Affordable Care Act. A report from the National Center for Transgender Equality from 2012 reported that 19% of those surveyed were refused service due to their gender identity or expression. 28% also reported postponing medical care due to discrimination.

“So often when we talk about women’s health care, we leave out transgender women,” said Cox. “I’m so excited to stand before you this evening because I wanted to shout out to the world that Planned Parenthood is a welcoming place for transgender people.”

Planned Parenthood offers hormone therapy and other care options for transgender people in a large number of their locations across the United States.

“Planned Parenthood believes everyone deserves high-quality, compassionate health care that’s appropriate for your needs and concerns – no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation,” states their website. “Our health centers provide education, support, and sexual and reproductive health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex patients.”

Planned Parenthood’s Spring Gala raised over $300,000 for Planned Parenthood of New York City.

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