In this episode of WHAT IFF? we are joined by Kit Fischer, a dedicated advocate for transgender health, to shed light on the critical gaps in reproductive healthcare for trans individuals. Together, we delve into common misconceptions, such as the mistaken belief that trans men cannot get pregnant while on testosterone, and how these myths impact access to essential contraceptive care.

Kit shares his personal experiences and expertise, offering valuable insights into navigating healthcare as a trans person, including how to advocate for yourself in medical settings. We discuss practical resources like inclusive healthcare resources, support networks, and educational tools for both patients and providers to bridge gaps in understanding and improve outcomes.

This episode also explores actionable strategies for healthcare providers to create affirming environments, from using inclusive language to recognizing the diverse needs of trans patients. With a focus on dismantling stigma and empowering individuals, we envision a future where reproductive healthcare is accessible, compassionate, and affirming for all.

Join us for an essential conversation that challenges misconceptions, amplifies trans voices, and offers a roadmap for building more inclusive systems of care.

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• “Standards of Care 8 | WPATH,” n.d. https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/.

In this episode of WHAT IFF? we discuss rurality and feminism with Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and guest host Aaliya Wiggs, a College of Charleston 1967 Scholar. Dr. Jones-Branch is the Dean of the graduate school at Arkansas University, a College of Charleston alum, a professor of history, a scholar of rural, agricultural, African American, and women’s history– and she was born and raised here in Charleston. In our discussion, we talk about Dr. Jones-Branch’s experience growing up in Adams Run, SC, concern regarding urbanization, black feminist activism, and the importance of rural communities. We highlight intersections between classism, racism, and sexism as we discuss how rurality has been greatly overlooked for its community connection and cultural significance.

Check out Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch’s book: Better Living By Their Own Bootstraps: Black Women’s Activism in Rural Arkansas

Thank you to Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and Aaliya Wiggs for making this episode possible!

We are kicking off this season of WHAT IFF? by sitting down with Dr. Sandra Slater, a professor at the College of Charleston who received her PhD in history at the University of Kentucky after receiving a graduate certificate in gender and women's history. In our hilarious, vibrant, and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Slater, we learn about the history of marginalized bodies, medicalized racism, and the mosaic of chronic pain experiences through an intersectional lens. Dr. Slater illustrates how narratives of the "wandering womb" dominated medical discourse and uterine fascination held sway, and how these norms connect cis-womens bodies to the broader canvas of history. We highlight how pain has always been gendered by digging into the roots of the term hysteria. In present day clinical encounters, we discuss how gender expression impacts how patients are treated, sharing first hand accounts from ciswomen from the podcast, The Sick Gaze.

Further Resources
Two great books that explain some of these issues are:
- Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn
- Pain and Prejudice by Gabrielle Jackson

Films
- Aftershock - a film that demonstrates the dangers for black pregnant people in our medical birthing systems - https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/
- The CDC Hear Her Campaign - https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.html

Thank you to Dr. Slater, Alyssa Nickles, Sarah Klotzbach, and Diane Carroll for making this episode possible!

Hosts: Emily Currey and Molly Dickerson
Production: Molly Dickerson