Course Evaluation - Gender Affirming Awareness & Practices with Young Adults: Joseph Zolobczuk, MS Ed. YES Institute Executive Director

Medical providers and allied health professionals are observing a notable increase in cases where clients self-disclose their gender identity. Clients navigating their authentic experience with gender often contend with other challenges such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm ideation, barriers to care in medical systems, and psycho-social factors including family or peer rejection. Even if family members are supportive, clients can find themselves in unsafe school or work environments with limited support systems, situations that can be categorized under minority stress theory. This session will review the current state of knowledge regarding best practices with transgender and gender nonbinary clients. A young adult speaker who has received gender affirming medical care in the past will share their personal experiences and engage in Q&A with participants. The importance of linking clients and their families to peer support and educational services will also be covered. Vital referral contacts and resources across South Florida will be shared.