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“Transparency: Physiology, Wellness and Beyond in the Trans Community,” will kick off at 6:30 p.m. in the Florida Gym on April 15.
By Kyle Chambers
Both the College of Health and Human Performance and UF Office of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs are proud to announce their first informational event focused on physiology and wellness in the transgender community.
The event is made possible through the Human Physiology course taught by Joslyn Ahlgren, Ph.D. and the Inclusion Working Group at HHP. A combination of panel discussions, community expositions and presentations put on by HHP students will occur during the 90-minute symposium.
“Transparency” got its start through one of Ahlgren's physiology students, Stephen Marangi, a second year student majoring in applied physiology and kinesiology. An email he sent to Ahlgren which asked why medical transitioning was absent from physiology textbooks set plans into motion.
Together, Marangi and Ahlgren designed a class project with small groups of physiology students researching the effects of medical transitioning on various organ systems. The public exhibition will share what students have learned will be presented as posters at the event.
In her human anatomy class, Ahlgren’s students were treated to a preview of some of the topics covered in the event by Billy Huff, Ph.D., Director of LGBTQ Affairs at UF.
Huff answered student questions about transgender physiology and informed students about the current problems facing underserved communities in healthcare. Social issues facing transgender communities such as housing discrimination and misidentification were also covered in his lecture.
“The rising visibility of transgender individuals is a double-edged sword,” Huff said. “As more people feel comfortable enough to come out into the public eye, the more issues they might face.”
According to Huff, questions asked in the classroom by future healthcare professionals can lead to more understanding of LGBTQ issues. In Ahlgren’s anatomy class, student curiosity helped them take many of these issues to heart.
“How many students would say that they learned something new today that you will carry forward into your career?” said Ahlgren at the end of the presentation. An overwhelming number of students in the 120 seat lecture hall raised their hands.
During “Transparency,” students will apply knowledge learned in their anatomy classes about transgender healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions and discover new information shared by LGBTQ community advocates during a panel discussion.
“Education is the best solution,” Huff said. “Whatever you learn in these walls, it works best if you take it outside and spread it.”
The event is open to the public and community organizations are encouraged to attend and host a table before the panel. Details can be found on the HHP calendar.