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Catherine's PresentationIn the status quo, the future well-being of individuals who are transgender in the United States is uncertain, endangered, and tentative. For many, healthcare is no exception. Individuals who are transgender are more likely to become a victim of sexual assault, live in poverty, commit suicide, and even be murdered. On top of that, transgender individuals carry a life expectancy of 33 with 1 in 12 losing their lives to murder compared to 1 in 18,000 for the general population. The life of an individual who is transgender is one of violence. This is further perpetuated in healthcare - an area where the obstacles transgender individuals face are much more invisible than bathroom or school privacy issues. When individuals need it most, healthcare often fails to provide. But, the reason why healthcare fails to provide becomes a complex and sensitive issue. |
The origins of this problem range from inadequate knowledge of providers, to personal objection of serving transgender patients, and to massive stigma discouraging transgender individuals to seek healthcare. Because of this, complex solutions are necessary. These solutions are highly necessary in areas such as Boise State University where young individuals begin to experience their independent life for the first time, making healthcare critical - especially for those who are transgender.
Working with the Idaho Transgender Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (ITHAC), a non-profit dedicated to making healthcare an accessible resource for transgender Idahoans, these solutions are attainable. ITHAC was started in 2015 by Catherine Floate and a board of directors seeking to create comprehensive healthcare resources. Her project is bringing healthcare access for transgender individuals to Boise State University. Through collaboration and comprehensive resource construction, it is hopeful Boise State University will soon become a healthcare-friendly place for its transgender students - paving the way for other universities and institutions.
Working with the Idaho Transgender Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (ITHAC), a non-profit dedicated to making healthcare an accessible resource for transgender Idahoans, these solutions are attainable. ITHAC was started in 2015 by Catherine Floate and a board of directors seeking to create comprehensive healthcare resources. Her project is bringing healthcare access for transgender individuals to Boise State University. Through collaboration and comprehensive resource construction, it is hopeful Boise State University will soon become a healthcare-friendly place for its transgender students - paving the way for other universities and institutions.
About Catherine
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Catherine Floate is a senior at Boise State University majoring in political science with a focus on American government and public policy. She is a student officer for the Planned Parenthood Generation Action chapter on Boise State’s campus and is a competitor on the “Talkin’ Broncos” Speech and Debate Team. She’s also passionate about issues related to transgender justice and is the president of the Idaho Transgender Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (ITHAC). Catherine is also an active volunteer with Planned Parenthood. She is a proud caretaker to three mice (Emily, Patricia, and Victoria) and loves outdoor activities such as hiking the Idaho wilderness or floating down the Boise river. After graduating, her goal is to work in either healthcare policy or public advocacy.
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